A Message from Mayor Jerry Sanders

Like virtually every American city, San Diego has been hurt by the national recession and must make difficult decisions to balance its budget.

I have always had a great appreciation for the common sense of citizens such as you. For that reason, as the City addresses a $179.1 million general fund budget gap, I am again asking for your help.

In the form below, please submit your ideas on how the City can address this economic crisis. I am interested in your suggestions on reducing spending, streamlining operations, or enhancing revenues. Take as much space as you need to express your ideas.

To address our budget challenge, the City must make substantial cuts. Service levels to our citizens will almost certainly be impacted. In these tough economic times, I will be working hard to protect core City services -- including public safety, a safe and reliable water supply and reforms that will enhance our financial integrity. I am interested in your throughts on City priorities and programs.

Elsewhere on this site you can find our current budget as well as information about City departments and operations.

Each of your suggestions will be reviewed carefully by my staff. They may also be forwarded to department directors and members of our financial management team.

Some suggestions will be posted online, with the goal of sharing ideas and elevating our civic dialogue.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you, and to working through this difficult time with a spirit of cooperation and respect.