Overview

• Mayor Todd Gloria presented his final FY2026 budget to the City Council on May 19, proposing partial funding restorations for police, fire-rescue, and animal services.
• The budget retains cuts to all 37 libraries, which will close on Sundays and Mondays starting July 1, as well as reductions to parks, youth programs, and recreation centers.
• Councilmembers and community organizations criticized the plan for exacerbating inequities, particularly in low-income and historically underfunded neighborhoods.
• Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera and others advocated for exploring new revenue sources, such as non-resident parking fees at popular locations like Balboa Park and beaches.
• The City Council has until June 10 to review, amend, and vote on the final budget, with public hearings and debates expected to shape potential revisions.