Chief Administrative Officer
As the Chief Administrative Officer, I am honored to serve the people of San Diego County and to present this year’s Recommended Budget. Recognizing that our communities are navigating uncertain times, with growing needs across every corner of our region, this $8.62 billion balanced budget reflects our deep commitment to serving the residents of our region.
It represents a 1% increase over last year’s plan and supports 20,281.25 staff years—ensuring core, mandated services remain strong, while prioritizing meaningful investments in behavioral health, public safety, and strategies to increase efficiency during challenging fiscal conditions. This budget reflects both responsibility and heart—anchored in service and guided by our community’s needs.
Our current challenges are the most significant we have faced in many years and include potential federal funding and policy changes as well as slowing tax revenues at the state and local levels.
We recognize that there will be direct impacts on our programs and services, some already included in this recommended budget, and others that will emerge as conditions evolve. And, while we cannot predict all the potential impacts to overall operations due to shifts in the economy, we are preparing thoughtfully and proactively. We remain committed to being responsive, adaptive, and community centered as we navigate these changes together in the coming months and years.
In other words, while it includes difficult recommendations, this budget provides a path to create a degree of certainty where there is uncertainty and creates a framework that provides fiscal stability for the future. It uses innovative, inclusive and data-driven solutions to minimize impacts by streamlining how we are structured and how we deliver services while valuing our workforce.
Most importantly, the budget is developed with input from you – our residents and partners. Community engagement is at the center of how the County operates, and we gather input year-round, creating opportunities for innovation and collaboration to inform the vital programs and services funded by the budget.
It continues to invest in housing, homeless solutions, behavioral health – efforts that are vital to supporting the well-being and resilience of our communities throughout the region.
Specifically, it continues the County’s ongoing commitment to behavioral health resources, leveraging new funding opportunities to invest more than $100 million in the ongoing shift from a crisis-focused to a care-first system that supports long-term recovery through community-based treatment, prevention and alternatives to jail and emergency rooms. And it supports more than 1 million San Diegans who need access to safety net programs that are critical to ensuring people and families have the food and support they need, programs such as CalWORKs, Medi-Cal and CalFresh.
It increases investments in public safety, with additional funding for County Fire, Public Defender, Medical Examiner, the Probation Department and the Sheriff’s Office to provide care for youth and adults in our custody, deploy more ambulances and to support programs such as Alternatives to Incarceration and job training, mental health and substance use disorder treatment. And it establishes a Community Engagement Unit in our Office of Emergency Services.
Our County budget remains focused on making San Diego a place where people can thrive—where residents feel supported, and where the County workforce is empowered to serve with heart, purpose, and integrity. It reflects our shared commitment to ensuring this region continues to be a great place to live, work, and play for everyone who calls it home.
I invite you to take some time to explore the Recommended Budget itself – it’s an opportunity to better understand how we’re investing in our community’s future. I also encourage you to get involved in the County’s budget process. Attend a Budget Open House, call into a public hearing, or explore other ways to share your voice. You can find event details and participation options on our Budget Engagement page.
Ebony N. Shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
A just, sustainable and resilient future for all.
Strengthen our communities with innovative, inclusive and data-driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.
Belonging, Sustainability, Excellence, Access, Equity, Integrity
18 Incorporated Cities
Unincorporated Area
Contract Cities
Some cities also contract with the County to provide services.
Regionally, County government provides services like:
In the unincorporated area, County government provides things a city government would typically do like:
County responsibilities
Available funding
Direction from the Board of Supervisors
Data
You! Your input helps shape budget priorities
The County works with community members throughout the year to help shape programs and services and inform the budget.
Visit engage.sandiegocounty.gov to get involved.
The Chief Administrative Officer releases the recommended budget in May.
Budget information is shared with the public at community meetings.
Public feedback is provided online and at public hearings.
A revised budget is prepared.
The Board deliberates and adopts a budget that takes effect July 1.
Recommended Budget Released
Community Open House at County Operations Center
Virtual Community Meeting
Public Hearings on Recommended Budget at County Administration Center
Budget Hearings Formally End
online comments close
Revised Recommended Budget Released
Budget Deliberations and Adoption at County Administration Center
+$65.4M/+1.9%
40.8% of total budget
+$149.1M/+5.4%
33.8% of total budget
+$49.9M/+5.3%
11.5% of total budget
-$19.3M/-2.4%
9.0% of total budget
-$69.0M/-15.3%
4.4% of total budget
-$90.3M/-66.3%,
0.5% of total budget
(-168/-2.0%)
(-15/-0.2%)
(+2/+0.1%)
(-9/-0.4%)
This section provides funding highlights – investments in programs and services to support the community. It is a snapshot of what is included in the recommended budget, areas that reflect a commitment to the region’s needs while managing the reality of current and future financial challenges, like changes in federal policy and other factors that influence the economy.
Those challenges will have a major impact on the way we deliver services and many of the long-term impacts are still unknown. We will continue to manage these risks using several strategies including:
To learn more about funding in specific areas, see the County’s full recommended budget.
Housing opportunities to meet community needs, access to shelter, housing and services.
Mental health and substance use support.
Law enforcement, fire protection, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery.
Roads, buildings, critical maintenance, Sheriff's substations, libraries, parks and other community enhancements.
Nutrition, health, financial and other programs to help vulnerable individuals and families.
Protecting the natural environment to preserve it for future generations.