Budget Cuts Loom— Will You Speak Up for the Arts in San Diego?
Due to major budget shortfalls, San Diego’s City Council is proposing FY26 cuts to the arts, libraries, and parks, among other things. During their upcoming Budget Input sessions, it is urgent for those who value the arts to show up— or better yet, speak up —in support of San Diego’s arts & culture community.
Please prioritize one of the many dates and times listed below and show up for the arts! Advocate for what is important to you. We’ve already lost funding at the federal level, now we’re losing it at the local level.
Budget Meeting Calendar:
BRC = Budget Review Committee (subcommittee of a few council members)
CCM = City Council Meeting (full council member attendance)
DATE TIME MTG TYPE DETAILS
Mon 5/5 9 AM BRC Special line item: the TOT discussion
Mon 5/5 6 PM BRC Evening session for general public input
Tues 5/6 9 AM BRC Economic Dev. presentation (incl. Cultural Affairs)
Mon 5/19 6 PM CCM General public input welcome
Fri 6/6 TBD* BRC Discuss recommended budget modifications
Tues 6/10 TBD* CCM Approve FY26 Budget w/ final modifications
*We will update this as we get more information.
Who Should Attend:
Creatives of all types
Families
Volunteers
Students
Board members
ANYONE WHO VALUES THE ARTS IN SAN DIEGO
Three Ways to Participate:
Whether you speak or not, showing up in person makes a strong statement of support.
Consider making & holding up a sign.
But for the most impact, sign up to make a one-minute public comment explaining how the cuts to arts & culture programs would negatively impact you.
Budget Meeting Locations:
All meetings are held on the 12th floor of the City Administration Building, 202 C Street, shown by a yellow star on the map below.
Parking/Transit Tips:
Take the orange or blue trolley lines and get off at the Civic Center stop. You’ll be right where you need to be!
Two nearby parking lots are marked below at Third & B or Third & Ash.
