Next year’s city budget will be challenging – but it also offers opportunities for fundamental change.

In reference to the way San Diego city government operates, I have said that “the City is a mess,” and next year’s proposed budget clearly illuminates that reality.
 
Three years of budget deliberations have acquainted me with the city bureaucracy’s instincts to protect the status quo. I have never been comfortable with it. I could not change it as a Councilmember. It is why I chose to run for Mayor.
 
The city is in the midst of a budget crisis. We all understand the challenge. But it is also a giant spotlight. The virus-related collapse of revenues illuminates why we must change, both what we do, as well as how we do it.
 
A crisis can be turned into an opportunity. But it requires looking forward, not backward.
 
I have previously outlined broad principles that should guide our budget deliberations – making delivery of quality neighborhood services our top priority, not the preservation of existing city bureaucracy.  Our goal should be to find better, more efficient and accountable ways to deliver city services to residents.  Achieving that goal will set our city, its employers and its residents up for future success.

Budget Press Conference

April 30, 2020 10:30 AM

On Thursday morning at 10:30 am, I will hold a virtual news conference to discuss my vision for the City and its budget. I will start the conversation by asking questions:

1. How much office space does city government need in the future?
2. How should we rethink land use planning in response to changing circumstances?
3. What changes may be required in our Climate Action Plan?
4. How can we use technology to better connect residents to city government?
5. How do we protect and expand our employment base?

I sincerely hope you watch the press conference, where I will detail some innovative and resourceful ways we can start answering these questions. Please invite your friends to watch, and let your neighbors know, San Diego does have a pathway to success.

Let’s take it,

UPCOMING EVENTS

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