San Diego County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Diego County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
County-authorizing litigation in closed session
The board voted 3-2 to have County Counsel file a lawsuit, but the subject remains confidential until the case is formally filed. Residents can request particulars once litigation begins.
Post-employment lobbying restrictions
Sparked by federal corruption scandals, the board wants to bar former county officials from lobbying and stop employees from betting on prediction markets using insider county information. Draft rules come back December 8.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Fire District Budget
The county approved a $46.8 million budget to fund fire protection and emergency services across the district for the upcoming year.
Fiscal Years 2026-2028 Recommended Operational Plan
The county adopted a $9.15 billion budget focusing on public safety, behavioral health, and safety net services while managing federal funding changes.
Health & Safety Services Initiative Petition Measure
An initiative proposing a half-cent sales tax to fund health, safety, and sewage cleanup will appear on the November ballot.
County Fee and Rate Adjustments for FY 2026-27
The county is proposing comprehensive fee adjustments across land development, environmental health, and agricultural departments to recover operational costs for fiscal year 2026-27.
Polling and Public Records Process Modernization
The county is adopting new transparency rules for third-party polling and exploring ways to speed up public records requests using digital tools. These changes aim to make government operations clearer and more responsive to residents.
Federal Medicaid Policy Changes and Funding Cuts
Federal policy changes under H.R. 1 are set to introduce work requirements and stricter eligibility rules for Medi-Cal and CalFresh, threatening coverage for thousands of San Diego County residents and increasing uncompensated care costs.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Second Quarter Budget Adjustments and Reserve Allocations
The county is managing tight fiscal margins driven by rising public safety and correctional costs. The board approved mid-year budget adjustments and unlocked reserve funds to support vital community needs like senior nutrition, LGBTQIA+ housing, and legal aid.
Centralization of County Space Management
The county is tightening oversight of its real estate footprint, centralizing lease management across departments to cut ongoing taxpayer costs and avoid unnecessary multi-year leases.
Cost of Living and County Fiscal Policies
Supervisors debated the county's budgetary approach, contrasting proposals to oppose potential tax increases with concerns over funding losses for essential social services.