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County adopts $9.16 billion FY27 budget with new spending for behavioral health, homelessness and Tijuana River cleanup
Summary
San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a revised FY2026–27 operational plan totaling roughly $9.16 billion, preserving core services while adding targeted funding for behavioral health, homelessness response, roads and a Tijuana River Valley pollution response.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on June 24 approved the County Administrative Officer’s revised operational plan for fiscal year 2026–27, adopting a budget staff said totals about $9.16 billion and supports 20,390 positions. The motion, advanced by Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Step and seconded by Chair Lawson Reamer, cleared the board after extended public comment and discussion of federal and state funding risks.
The revised plan adds modest net staffing and directs new or continued investments in behavioral health services as a standalone department, public safety and fire protection, homelessness and housing programs, and infrastructure. County officials said the change letter adopted by the board reflects updates after budget hearings, including sheriff’s office staffing adjustments, additional road repairs and wastewater charge updates, and funding to extend the Moss Fresco Plus nutrition program and study a Department of Youth Development.
Why it mattered: County staff warned of immediate pressure from federal changes (HR1) and potential state budget shifts, and identified increased demand for safety‑net services. The board approved a suite of measures intended to blunt those impacts — including funding targeted to keep health and food benefits stable for vulnerable residents and a $250,000 feasibility study for a Department of Youth Development.
Who said what: chief financial officer Joan Brachi described the plan as “balanced and fiscally sound,” noting the county’s long‑term capital planning and reserve posture. Vice Chair Montgomery Step said the adopted amendments protect the county’s core services and provide a proactive response to federal policy changes that could reduce benefits for residents; she framed many of the additions as investments to protect the region’s most vulnerable.
Public reaction: Dozens of speakers urged support for immigrant legal defense, eviction diversion and youth development, and pressed the board for stronger Tijuana River Valley cleanup funding. Labor, service providers, and community groups emphasized the need to protect existing programs as federal rules change.
Next steps: The board adopted the CAO change letter and associated resolutions. Staff will implement the revisions and report back as required, including continuing outreach to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to secure state and federal support where possible.
Vote: The motion to adopt the revised budget passed on the board floor after deliberations; the meeting record notes supervisors’ individual votes and several recorded no votes on particular consent items earlier in the meeting.
