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Council adopts FY2026 budgetary principles after debate over withheld positions
Summary
The City Council approved the FY2026 statement of budgetary principles 7–1 after questioning administration plans to retain five management positions that create a roughly $1.4 million gap; the IBA urged continued clarity and written notice when programmatic positions are added outside the budget process.
The San Diego City Council approved the proposed fiscal year 2026 statement of budgetary principles in a 7–1 vote on July 28, adopting an annual framework meant to clarify budget authorities and improve communication between the mayor and the Council.
Lisa Byrne of the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst told the Council the principles ‘‘represent an agreement between the Council and the Mayor for administration of the adopted budget’’ and recommended adoption with any desired modifications. The IBA highlighted two substantive additions this year: mandatory notification when programmatic supplemental positions are added outside the budget process and a new section proposing how Council members present proposed budget amendments before final adoption.
Council members pressed the mayor’s office about a separate decision to retain five management positions the Council had defunded during the budget process. Council President Pro Tem Lee said the mayor ‘‘has declared that they will not make the reduction of 5 management positions that the council has budgeted for, immediately leaving a roughly $1,400,000 shortfall to start this fiscal year.’’ A city representative said staff plan to identify equivalent reductions or other offsets and follow up with a plan.
Independent budget analyst Charles Modica and city budget staff explained that if reductions do not occur, balancing could require tapping reserves or identifying other savings during the year; the city attorney’s office added that the mayor may propose budget amendments during the year and the Council would then have another opportunity to weigh in.
Councilmember Ilo Rivera voiced frustration at what she described as a poor start to the budget cycle if the administration does not implement Council‑adopted changes. Councilmember Foster moved to adopt the IBA‑recommended principles; Pro Tem Lee seconded. Councilmember Campbell cast the lone recorded no vote; one councilmember was absent for the meeting.
The statement of budgetary principles will continue to guide communications and the appropriation ordinance process; staff and the IBA said they will return to Council with any technical adjustments and additional implementation details.
