San Diego Leaders Propose $10.3M Plan to Restore Arts Funding

San Diego city leaders, including Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee and Budget Committee Chair Henry Foster III, joined by County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe and the Prebys Foundation, announced a public-private proposal to restore over 90% of arts funding cut from the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The Prebys Foundation would contribute $3 million, while $6 million would come from the Transient Occupancy Tax and $1.3 million from restored grants, totaling $10.35 million of the nearly $12 million cut. The city faces a $118 million structural budget deficit. The proposal also includes exploring a regional alliance to stabilize arts funding, following a May county decision to allocate millions for arts. County initiatives target underserved communities, affordable creative spaces, and cross-border ties with Baja California artists. The coalition urged the City Council to approve the proposal and Mayor Todd Gloria to sign it into law.