Mayor Gloria to present proposed budget to San Diego City Council

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is scheduled to formally present his budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the city council Monday afternoon.

The proposed spending plan encompasses about $5.65 billion, including allocations for improving San Diego's infrastructure, building housing and addressing homelessness, which has been a big focus countywide.

Gloria says the budget as proposed would allow the city to boost the number of options available to get people off the streets and out of canyons and riverbeds.

This includes a controversial 1,000-bed "mega-shelter" at Kettner Boulevard and Vine Street, as well as the conversion of the city-owned H-Barracks into a safe sleeping lot for unhoused families.

Some homeless advocates told FOX 5 that these investments are also made alongside expansions to services helping those battling addiction or behavioral health disorders.

“One-third of the population out there that have some level of substance abuse disorder and a similar [number] has mental health challenges — some have both," said Deacon Jim Vargas, executive director of Father Joe’s Villages. "We need to look at detoxification there aren't enough detox beds in this county. “

Following Monday's hearing, there will be several weeks of public hearings and discussions on the budget for a revised plan is brought before the city council. A budget for the next fiscal year must be adopted no later than June 30.

The presentation is scheduled for the 1 p.m. city council meeting. Check back for updates.