San Diego City Council Special Meeting – June 8, 2026: Budget Prep, Proclamations, and Settlements

The San Diego City Council held a special meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. with a morning session and reconvening at 2 p.m. for the regular discussion agenda. The meeting focused on preparing for the following day's budget adoption, including proclamations, consent items, and several major policy actions. Key outcomes included approval of a pro-housing designation application, repeal of Balboa Park paid parking, reduction of solid waste management fees, and authorization of tax and revenue anticipation notes (TRANS). The council also heard presentations from recognized employee organizations on recruitment and retention challenges for firefighters and lifeguards.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamations (Items 600-602, 639, 643, 644): Unanimously approved. Recognized outgoing Convention Center CEO Rip Ripteau (Item 600), United States Police and Fire Championships Week (Item 601), Eritrean Independence Day (Item 602), Mark Larson (Item 639), Arts District Liberty Station (Item 643), and Kim Very (Item 644). Public comment included both support and criticism.
• Consent Agenda (Items 603-619, 621-627, 636-638, 642): Approved with one dissenting vote. Councilmember Foster voted no on Item 604 (labor compliance system contract) citing cost increases and removal of a Black woman-owned firm. Item 605 (Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funds) drew extensive public comment urging amendment to fund the multimodal team; Council President Lacava and Councilmember Whitburn noted that changes could be made during the budget process. Item 613 (Land Development Code updates) faced opposition from the Downtown Community Planning Council over noise exemption language, but was not pulled. Item 638 (honorary street naming for Rev. Dr. Walter G. Wells) passed with unanimous support.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Numerous speakers addressed items throughout the day. Topics included:
  • Proclamations: Speakers expressed both support (e.g., celebrating Eritrean Independence Day) and opposition (allegations of police misconduct and conspiracy theories).
  • Consent items: Advocacy groups urged the council to amend the RMRA project list to fund the multimodal team. Others raised concerns about noise exemptions, parking citation contracts, and Flock ALPR surveillance.
  • Pro-housing designation: Speakers supported the application, though some criticized the city's housing record and alleged mismanagement.
  • Vacancies/recruitment: Firefighters and lifeguards testified about low compensation, staffing shortages, and poor working conditions. Several callers supported increased funding for first responders.
  • Balboa Park paid parking repeal: Broad public support for ending paid parking, with speakers citing harm to museums and visitors. Some called for immediate repeal rather than waiting until January 2027.
  • Trash fee reduction: Public comments were mixed; some praised the settlement, while others criticized the initial fee implementation as illegal.
  • TRANS authorization: Speakers questioned the need for borrowing and called for more fiscal transparency.
  • Pump station contract and batting cage: Brief public comments, with one speaker questioning the $200,000 batting cage cost.

Discussion Items

• Item 628 – Pro-Housing Designation Application: Staff introduced the application, which would qualify San Diego for state housing grants. The city previously received the designation in 2022 and must reapply. The draft application scores 67 points out of 30 required. The council unanimously approved the application.
• Item 629 – Status of Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention (Government Code Section 3502.3): Staff reported citywide vacancy rate of 9.82% as of January 1, 2026. Voluntary separations in 2025 were at a decade low of 6.3%. Presentations from recognized employee organizations:
  • San Diego City Firefighters Local 145: Vice President Mark Morrison stated the department is 4.9% below market median compensation, making San Diego a "training ground" for other departments. Cited a $21,000+ annual pay gap with Los Angeles City firefighters at the starting level. Asked for a path to competitive pay.
  • California Teamsters Local 986 (Lifeguards): Steward Patrick McVan noted lifeguards earn roughly 20% less than Los Angeles County counterparts. Seasonal staff start at ~$26/hour with no health care or pension. Stressed the need for facility improvements and recognition as first responders.
  • Councilmembers expressed support for both groups, acknowledging challenges in recruitment and retention. Council President Lacava noted ongoing negotiations.
• Item 641 – Repeal of Balboa Park Paid Parking: Councilmember Whitburn introduced the action as part of a settlement ending a ballot measure effort. Parking will be free in all lots and on streets effective January 1, 2027. Annual pass holders will receive prorated refunds. The Independent Budget Analyst reported projected FY27 revenue of $3.9 million through December, offset by $480,000 in savings from reduced tram services, resulting in negligible FY27 impact. However, FY28-29 revenue loss could be $7-10 million. Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 640 – Reduction of Solid Waste Management Fee (FY28-29): Also part of the settlement. The fee for the 95-gallon bundle drops to $38.75/month (FY28) and $39.91/month (FY29), with proportional reductions for 65-gallon and 35-gallon bundles. To cover costs, the recycling fund subsidy increases to $22 million/year, and a general fund subsidy of ~$10-11 million/year is required. Certain services (weekly recycling, bulky item pickup, electric vehicle pilot) will be deferred. Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 631 – Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANS): Staff proposed borrowing up to $340 million to bridge general fund cash flow deficits in FY27, with an estimated $332 million par amount at an effective interest rate of ~2.5%. The notes would be issued July 1, 2026 and repaid by June 30, 2027. The city's short-term ratings are SP1+ and F1+. Approved 7-2, with Councilmembers Moreno and Von Wilpert voting no.
• Item 630 – Amendment to Brown and Caldwell Contract for Pump Station 2: Amendment not to exceed $2.294 million, extending the contract through 2032. Total project cost estimated at $135 million. The pump station, built in 1963, is critical for the wastewater system. Approved unanimously.
• Item 632 – Batting Cage Change Order for Mira Mesa Community Park: Change order for $200,000 funded from Mira Mesa community funds. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations and Consent Calendar: Approved with one no vote (Item 604).
• Pro-Housing Designation: Approved unanimously; application will be submitted to HCD.
• Vacancies/Recruitment Presentation: No formal vote; the item was informational. Council directed staff to continue addressing retention challenges.
• Balboa Park Paid Parking Repeal: Approved unanimously; free parking begins January 1, 2027.
• Solid Waste Management Fee Reduction: Approved unanimously; reduced fees take effect July 1, 2027 and July 1, 2028.
• TRANS Authorization: Approved 7-2; funds to be borrowed July 1, 2026.
• Pump Station 2 Contract Amendment: Approved unanimously.
• Mira Mesa Batting Cage Change Order: Approved unanimously.
• Upcoming: Budget adoption meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 9 a.m.