SD Taxpayers opposes ballot box budgeting, defined as a measure that limits a government's ability to set budgeting priorities by tying their hands and permanently earmarking funds for a specific purpose.
The #SanDiego county supervisors may learn why.
One of the goals of Measure B (a half-cent sales tax hike that earmarks up to 60% of the additional revenue on providing affordable healthcare, nutrition, and family services) was to allow the county to offset federal funding cuts.
Now it seems likely that the federal cuts may themselves be reversed.
In addition, Mark Kersey, president of SD Taxpayers has noted that "If you start raising money out of San Diego's pockets to pay for something that is fundamentally a Mexico-U.S. federal government problem, then all of a sudden Washington could look at this and say, ‘Well, hey, we don't need to invest any more money into San Diego because they pass this, over the life of it, multibillion-dollar tax measure.'"
The #SanDiego county supervisors may learn why.
One of the goals of Measure B (a half-cent sales tax hike that earmarks up to 60% of the additional revenue on providing affordable healthcare, nutrition, and family services) was to allow the county to offset federal funding cuts.
Now it seems likely that the federal cuts may themselves be reversed.
In addition, Mark Kersey, president of SD Taxpayers has noted that "If you start raising money out of San Diego's pockets to pay for something that is fundamentally a Mexico-U.S. federal government problem, then all of a sudden Washington could look at this and say, ‘Well, hey, we don't need to invest any more money into San Diego because they pass this, over the life of it, multibillion-dollar tax measure.'"
NYT reports that Congressional Democrats will likely cancel the Republican Medicaid cuts. Before California adds any more health taxes to offset HR1 cuts, we should see how this turns out.
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The mayor may want to scale back any congratulatory city of #SanDiego related budget pronouncements.
1. There is a expecting a small FY 2028 surplus, but the spending projections are based on the city's decision to underfund reserves. This is questionable in most years, and indefensible during an El Nino year.
2. The operating budget surplus becomes a deficit starting in FY 2029, has personnel costs push up spending.
3. Optimistic revenue projects and a reduced pension contributions are based directly and indirectly on the assumption of continued stock market gains.
4. The new budget does nothing to reverse the city's chronic underfunding of the city employee pension funds.
5. There is no effort to increase the spending on road and storm drains to close the large and growing infrastructure funding gap.
1. There is a expecting a small FY 2028 surplus, but the spending projections are based on the city's decision to underfund reserves. This is questionable in most years, and indefensible during an El Nino year.
2. The operating budget surplus becomes a deficit starting in FY 2029, has personnel costs push up spending.
3. Optimistic revenue projects and a reduced pension contributions are based directly and indirectly on the assumption of continued stock market gains.
4. The new budget does nothing to reverse the city's chronic underfunding of the city employee pension funds.
5. There is no effort to increase the spending on road and storm drains to close the large and growing infrastructure funding gap.
What does the five-year outlook mean for San Diegans? A more sustainable City budget. For the first time in 20 years of forecasts, our next budget year is projected to be balanced without one-time fixes or another round of cuts. #ForAllofUs
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Despite the recently introduced recall petition, the city of #SanDiego's policy and budget failures are very much a team effort.
sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/11/06/glo…
It should also be noted that the both the mayor and council need to improve the city's spotty record of proving information l activist Paul Krueger wrote in a U-T Opinion commentary a year ago, the city has 'a two-tiered caste system of information sharing.' Those who support city development policies find staffers to be cooperative and attentive. But not those who want to get to key details being kept from the public."
sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/11/06/glo…
It should also be noted that the both the mayor and council need to improve the city's spotty record of proving information l activist Paul Krueger wrote in a U-T Opinion commentary a year ago, the city has 'a two-tiered caste system of information sharing.' Those who support city development policies find staffers to be cooperative and attentive. But not those who want to get to key details being kept from the public."
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SD Taxpayers retweeted
Another wise and forceful @sdutOpinion editorial, challenging our new @SDCityCouncil members to support good governance, not special interests:
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The declaration that the city of #SanDiego's city finances have stabilized is misleading at best.
1. While there is a slight operating budget surplus in FY 2028, deficits totaling $71.6 million are projected in the subsequent four years.
2. The city does not plan to replenish levels.
3. There is no funding to address the large ($6.8 billion and growing) infrastructure funding gap.
4. A declining pension payment based on assumed continued stock market growth.
5. The pension deficit remains high ($3.46 billion).
The city may have avoided the need for budget cuts or revenue increases in the next budget cycle, but the long-term financial outlook continues to get worse.
sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/11/06/san…
1. While there is a slight operating budget surplus in FY 2028, deficits totaling $71.6 million are projected in the subsequent four years.
2. The city does not plan to replenish levels.
3. There is no funding to address the large ($6.8 billion and growing) infrastructure funding gap.
4. A declining pension payment based on assumed continued stock market growth.
5. The pension deficit remains high ($3.46 billion).
The city may have avoided the need for budget cuts or revenue increases in the next budget cycle, but the long-term financial outlook continues to get worse.
sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/11/06/san…
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The city of #SanDiego has released its Fiscal Year 2028-2032 Five-Year Financial Outlook.
While as slight surplus of $5.1 million is projected for Fiscal Year 2028, growing deficits are expected in the subsequent four years:
FY 2029 $5.0 million
FY 2030 $8.8 million
FY 2031 2 $36.2 million
Despite a $6.8 billion infrastructure funding gap, no contribution to the Infrastructure Fund is projected until FY 2032.
sandiego.gov/finance#docacc…
While as slight surplus of $5.1 million is projected for Fiscal Year 2028, growing deficits are expected in the subsequent four years:
FY 2029 $5.0 million
FY 2030 $8.8 million
FY 2031 2 $36.2 million
Despite a $6.8 billion infrastructure funding gap, no contribution to the Infrastructure Fund is projected until FY 2032.
sandiego.gov/finance#docacc…
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Question: Is it politically possible to change California’s condo defect laws?
Mark Kersey, San Diego County Taxpayers Association
"YES: Construction defect litigation reform can pass in Sacramento, but only if state legislators put the needs of their constituents ahead of the und their campaigns. Defect litigation is a real impediment to condo construction, and condos fill an important need in the market for both young families and empty nesters. Reform can happen — it just needs 'people over politics' to be something more than a campaign slogan."
Mark Kersey, San Diego County Taxpayers Association
"YES: Construction defect litigation reform can pass in Sacramento, but only if state legislators put the needs of their constituents ahead of the und their campaigns. Defect litigation is a real impediment to condo construction, and condos fill an important need in the market for both young families and empty nesters. Reform can happen — it just needs 'people over politics' to be something more than a campaign slogan."
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Two countywide ballot initiatives, Measure A changes to county governance and the Measure B sales tax hike, would give the supervisors the authority and revenue to address the Tijuana River pollution crises.
Measure B's "commitment to solve the Tijuana River sewage crisis – and of dollars annually to the cause – also means the county has a major promise to keep.
"It’s committed to owning – and solving the years-long crisis that’s fueled health concerns and closed beaches."
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/11/06/now…
The county is already in the planning phase of an effort that could result in the construction of a system to capture and treat polluted river water. The cost of such a plant is expected to be well above $1 billion.
kpbs.org/news/environme…
Measure B's "commitment to solve the Tijuana River sewage crisis – and of dollars annually to the cause – also means the county has a major promise to keep.
"It’s committed to owning – and solving the years-long crisis that’s fueled health concerns and closed beaches."
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/11/06/now…
The county is already in the planning phase of an effort that could result in the construction of a system to capture and treat polluted river water. The cost of such a plant is expected to be well above $1 billion.
kpbs.org/news/environme…
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A #SolanaBeach hotel tax increase is expected to be approved.
SD Taxpayers has documented many flaws in the measure's design. The tax hike does not include taxpayer-accountability safeguards, has no sunset clause or independent citizens' oversight, and no outcome-based ttps://t.co/jMNtP5wtwW
SD Taxpayers has documented many flaws in the measure's design. The tax hike does not include taxpayer-accountability safeguards, has no sunset clause or independent citizens' oversight, and no outcome-based ttps://t.co/jMNtP5wtwW
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It looks increasingly likely that Measure B, a county of #SanDiego half-cent sales tax increase, will pass.
Some of the projected revenue is dedicated to address the very real concern of pollution from the Tijuana River.
Measure B critics believe giving the county the lead role national problem is counterproductive.
"'These are things Washington should be doing obviously Mexico should be doing as well,' said Mark Kersey, President & CEO of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.
"'My concern now with this local funding source available is that Washington looks at it and just says hey we don’t need to give San Diego any more money,' he added.
"Kersey also said he worries about the measure having no expiration date. 'What do you do if the priorities of today are not the same priorities two, five, ten years from now?
fox5sandiego.com/news/local-new…
Some of the projected revenue is dedicated to address the very real concern of pollution from the Tijuana River.
Measure B critics believe giving the county the lead role national problem is counterproductive.
"'These are things Washington should be doing obviously Mexico should be doing as well,' said Mark Kersey, President & CEO of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.
"'My concern now with this local funding source available is that Washington looks at it and just says hey we don’t need to give San Diego any more money,' he added.
"Kersey also said he worries about the measure having no expiration date. 'What do you do if the priorities of today are not the same priorities two, five, ten years from now?
fox5sandiego.com/news/local-new…
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With the caveat that election results are not final, it looks like #SanDiego residents will pay more in taxes next year, and possible even high taxes in following years.
Measure B, the half-cent countywide sales tax, is on track to be approved.
At the state level, Prop 3 (which tax increase) is leading by a wide margin).
While not a tax increase itself, Prop 43, which would have increased the threshold for 'citizen led' tax increases, is lagging.
Prop 43's failure would make it easier tax measures placed on the ballot by special interests associated with local governments to pass.
x.com/fox5sandiego/s…
Measure B, the half-cent countywide sales tax, is on track to be approved.
At the state level, Prop 3 (which tax increase) is leading by a wide margin).
While not a tax increase itself, Prop 43, which would have increased the threshold for 'citizen led' tax increases, is lagging.
Prop 43's failure would make it easier tax measures placed on the ballot by special interests associated with local governments to pass.
x.com/fox5sandiego/s…
Ballots are still being counted, but Measure B is on track to pass. At the last count Wednesday night, votes in favor were up by 23,000, fueling confidence among supporters.
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"A chart in the back pages of the 2026-27 budget reveals that during Newsom’s eight years of managing the budget, the state took in $1.4 trillion in general fund revenue but spent $1.7 trillion, averaging $37 billion in overspending each year. Among other things, the spending te’s payroll by 100,000 positions."
Like local San Diego governments, the state is facing ongoing budget shortfalls.
Whether the funding gap is resolved by tax increases, spending cuts, or more budget gimmicks remains to the seen.
calmatters.org/commentary/202…
Like local San Diego governments, the state is facing ongoing budget shortfalls.
Whether the funding gap is resolved by tax increases, spending cuts, or more budget gimmicks remains to the seen.
calmatters.org/commentary/202…
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The #SanDiego city council is expected to vote to move towards the creation of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EFID) for the Redevelopment of the San Diego Sports Arena Site at its November 6 meeting.
If approved, the EFID would capture future property tax growth would otherwise have gone to the general fund and use it to finance redevelopment bonds.
sandiego.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonlin…
SD Taxpayers has not taken a stance for or against the Midway Rising project.
If approved, the EFID would capture future property tax growth would otherwise have gone to the general fund and use it to finance redevelopment bonds.
sandiego.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonlin…
SD Taxpayers has not taken a stance for or against the Midway Rising project.
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#NationalCity is facing an operating budget shortfall and is evaluating a revenue measure to close the gap.
"A committee of National City business leaders tasked with crafting an alternative to a failed city business tax hike voted on Tuesday to sharply reduce the size of the ering the amount of annual revenue the city would generate by raising its business tax rate.
"The committee of 12 business leaders voted unanimously to forward to the City Council an alternative tax increase proposal that would raise $2.75 million annually in additional revenue instead of $7.5 million, as city leaders initially sought."
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/11/03/nat…
"A committee of National City business leaders tasked with crafting an alternative to a failed city business tax hike voted on Tuesday to sharply reduce the size of the ering the amount of annual revenue the city would generate by raising its business tax rate.
"The committee of 12 business leaders voted unanimously to forward to the City Council an alternative tax increase proposal that would raise $2.75 million annually in additional revenue instead of $7.5 million, as city leaders initially sought."
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/11/03/nat…
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