San Diego Mayor Gloria Restores Police Funding Amid $258M Deficit

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria released his final proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, restoring some funding for public safety and animal services after public opposition to the initial draft. The revised budget restores $773,529 of a $1.7 million proposed cut, maintaining police patrols at the Northwestern Division with staffing adjustments, and reinstates two vice detective positions critical for addressing issues like prostitution and human trafficking. Despite these restorations, Gloria maintained planned cuts to city libraries, recreation centers, parks maintenance, and arts funding due to ongoing economic challenges and projected revenue shortfalls of at least $258 million. He emphasized a balanced, strategic approach prioritizing public safety, infrastructure repairs, and homelessness interventions, urging the City Council to make responsible spending decisions. The budget revision reflects community feedback but also maintains some unpopular cuts, setting the stage for further council deliberations ahead of the fiscal year starting July 1. Police and community leaders praised the restorations, highlighting their importance in maintaining public safety services across the city.