After months of public pressure from the Invest in San Diego Families (ISDF) coalition, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors made changes to the County Budget that will address some vital community needs. The Invest in San Diego Families coalition has been advocating for many years for a more equitable county budget that aligns with the needs of the region.Â
The budget adopted at August 25th’s hearing contains community investments that center social equity a change from the County’s historical spending practices:
- $24 million to provide rental assistance to individuals and families who have lost income due to COVID-19
- $2.5 million to expand translation services across all County departments
- $2 million to provide stipends to essential workers who have been impacted by COVID-19
- $2 million to expand the San Diego County Office of Education’s program ensuring internet access for K-12 students from low-income families
Even with these wins, the overall budget fails to meet many community needs. The County continues to invest a disproportionate amount of local tax dollars in policing and incarceration, both the Sheriff Department and District Attorney’s budgets have increased significantly, and more than 20% of funding approved for construction projects will be spent on jails. The budget also includes non-essential allocations–such as $14 million for a Lakeside Equestrian Center.
The Invest in San Diego Families (ISDF) Coalition will continue to call on the County to invest in programs and services that support a healthy, sustainable, and thriving region for all families, especially Black, Indigenous, people of color and low income families.Â