City of San Diego Budget Cuts

As we’ve shared, Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget for the City of San Diego includes devastating cuts to our contract funding — cuts that will threaten our ability to continue providing animal services for the City.

While we’ve made some progress in our conversations with City staff, we’re still far from where we need to be. Already, our City contract only covers a portion of the services we provide. Each year, we must raise an additional $10 million from our generous community to sustain the nationally leading care we provide. 

For the upcoming fiscal year, we’ve already agreed to a $1 million reduction in compensation to help the City address its budget challenges. We’re not asking for full funding. We’re doing our part — and then some. But even with this compromise, we’re still $1 million short of what’s needed to keep our services going.

To be clear: Without restoring this $1 million, our ability to maintain our animal services contract with the City is at serious risk. We’ve stepped up. Now we need City leaders to meet us halfway — for the animals, and for the San Diego community.

This is an important moment for our community to take action. If you previously made a public comment on our behalf — thank you! Now, we need you again. Your voice as a resident of San Diego is powerful in compelling the city to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of animals and people.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Contact the Mayor and City Council by Friday, May 16 to let them know you oppose the proposed cuts and support full funding for San Diego Humane Society. Please contact all of them, as they will collectively make budget decisions on behalf of the whole city. You can use the sample language at the bottom of this email or craft a personally meaningful message.
   
   Mayor Todd Gloria: 619-236-6330 MayorToddGloria@sandiego.gov
   Council President Joe LaCava (District 1): 619-236-6611 JoeLaCava@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Jennifer Campbell (District 2): 619-236-6622 JenniferCampbell@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Stephen Whitburn (District 3): 619-236-6633 StephenWhitburn@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Henry Foster III (District 4): 619-236-6644 HenryFoster@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Marni von Wilpert (District 5): 619-236-6655 MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Kent Lee (District 6): 619-236-6616 KentLee@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Raul Campillo (District 7): 619-236-6677 RaulCampillo@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Vivian Moreno (District 8): 619-236-6688 VivianMoreno@sandiego.gov
   Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera (District 9): 619-236-6699 SeanEloRivera@sandiego.gov
   
   Or copy and paste to email all of them at once:
   MayorToddGloria@sandiego.gov, JoeLaCava@sandiego.gov, JenniferCampbell@sandiego.gov, StephenWhitburn@sandiego.gov, HenryFoster@sandiego.gov, MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov, KentLee@sandiego.gov, RaulCampillo@sandiego.gov, VivianMoreno@sandiego.gov
2. Attend the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday, May 19 at 6 p.m., where you’ll have an opportunity to address the Council directly about your concerns.
   How to Participate in the City Council Meeting

Sample Script/Email Message:
My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of San Diego. I am proud that our city is a national leader in animal welfare — but I’m deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to San Diego Humane Society’s contract.

These services are not optional — they are essential to public safety, community wellbeing and the humane treatment of animals. These services save lives. I urge you to reject these cuts and preserve full funding for San Diego Humane Society in the final budget so they can continue their critical work for animals and people. Thank you.