Budget Cuts Loom— Will You Speak Up for the Arts in San Diego?

Facing significant budget shortfalls, the San Diego City Council is proposing $1.5 million in cuts to arts funding for FY26, along with reductions to libraries, parks, and more. As the City prepares for upcoming Budget Input sessions, it’s critical that supporters of the arts show up — and, even better, speak out — to advocate for San Diego’s arts and culture community.

Please prioritize one of the many dates and times listed below. Advocate for what is important to you. The arts have already lost funding at the federal level, now we’re losing it at the local level, too. Small arts organizations like ours (and many others in San Diego) cannot sustain our impactful programs without this funding from the City.

Budget Meeting Calendar:

BRC = Budget Review Committee (subcommittee of a few council members)

CCM = City Council Meeting (full council member attendance)

DATE       TIME     MTG DETAILS

M 5/5       9 AM     BRC Special line item: the TOT discussion

M 5/5       6 PM     BRC Evening session for general public input

T 5/6       9 AM     BRC Economic Dev. presentation (incl. Cultural Affairs)

M 5/19 6 PM     CCM General public input welcome

F 6/6        9 AM      BRC Discuss recommended budget modifications

T 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

  • Arts Org Employees & Board Members

  • Volunteers

  • Arts Supporters

  • Families & Students

  • Anyone Who Values the Arts in San Diego!

Three Ways to Participate:

  1. Whether you speak or not, showing up in person makes a strong statement of support.

  2. Consider making & holding up a sign.

  3. 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. Arrive a few minutes early to sign up for this opportunity.

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.

Space 4 Art