Garden Grove City Council approves $808M biannual budget prioritizing public safety and infrastructure

The Garden Grove City Council convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss the proposed biannual budget for the upcoming fiscal years, emphasizing a commitment to community values and strategic priorities. The budget reflects a collaborative vision aimed at enhancing public safety, economic development, and community engagement while ensuring financial sustainability.

Key discussions centered around six strategic focus areas identified during a council retreat earlier this year. These include maintaining high-quality police and fire services, expanding shopping and entertainment options, protecting residential neighborhoods from traffic impacts, celebrating the city’s diversity, promoting transparent communication with residents, and investing in employee development. Each of these areas is designed to align city resources with the community's needs and aspirations.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to addressing homelessness, with plans to expand shelter capacity and improve outreach efforts. Public safety remains a top priority, with nearly 40% of the budget dedicated to police and fire services. Infrastructure investments are also highlighted, with funding directed toward roads, parks, and public facilities to support both current needs and future growth.

The proposed budget outlines total revenues of approximately $752 million over the next two years, with planned expenditures around $808 million. While this initially suggests a deficit, city officials clarified that the budget is structurally balanced when considering ongoing revenues against operating expenses, excluding one-time capital improvement projects.

The budget process involved extensive collaboration among city departments, resulting in the approval of 26 supplemental funding requests totaling $4.3 million. This careful evaluation process reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility amid economic uncertainties, including rising interest rates and potential impacts on property tax revenues.

The council also addressed the importance of maintaining a healthy general fund, which is crucial for the city’s financial health and ability to borrow for major projects. The general fund is primarily supported by tax revenues, which account for nearly 90% of its income. However, projected growth in tax revenues is slowing, prompting a conservative approach to budgeting.

In addition to operational funding, the budget includes a capital improvement plan with a total investment of $82.3 million over the next two years, focusing on essential infrastructure projects. The council is also considering one-time transfers from the general fund to bolster internal service funds for workers' compensation and general liability, ensuring the city is prepared for future claims.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city council's commitment to addressing community needs while navigating fiscal challenges. As the budget moves forward, the council will continue to prioritize transparency and engagement with residents, ensuring that the city remains responsive to its diverse population.