Overview

• Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins has submitted a $4.4 billion, two-year budget to the City Council, aiming to close a $268 million deficit through spending cuts and new revenue streams.
• The proposal includes eliminating 400 positions, primarily vacant roles, with fewer than a dozen layoffs expected, to reduce costs while maintaining core services.
• Public safety remains a priority, with funding for six police academies, two fire academies, 678 officers, and 23 fire engine companies, though two fire stations will rotate closures.
• Jenkins has proposed a $40 million annual property tax increase and $40 million parcel tax for the June 2026 ballot, alongside $180 million in bond sales to fund housing and infrastructure projects.
• The City Council has until June 30 to amend and approve the budget, which builds on the recently passed Measure A sales tax increase supporting fire services.