1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Mayor Gloria, I urge you to oppose any budget approach that expands long-term labor costs while San Diego’s fiscal condition is already under severe pressure. Over the last six years, the City has followed a concerning pattern: expanded staffing and compensation commitments during a period when the structural deficit, pension burden, and infrastructure backlog were already worsening. Seven points deserve close attention: First, City staffing remains significantly higher than pre-2020 levels, increasing ongoing payroll obligations at a time of stagnant population growth. Second, personnel costs now consume a major share of the City budget, limiting flexibility for core services. Third, prior labor agreements already raised the salary baseline substantially before the newest tentative agreement. Fourth, the proposed labor deal creates short-term savings through furloughs while locking in permanent, compounding wage increases. Fifth, those wage increases may add pressure to future pensionable payroll and retirement costs. Sixth, the City’s pension payment remains a major General Fund burden at the same time residents face cuts to parks, recreation, libraries, arts, youth programs, and public safety priorities. Seventh, the City has adopted or supported additional labor-favorable policies, including a citywide Project Labor Agreement and sector-specific wage mandates, which may increase costs for public projects and local employers. San Diego should not rely on temporary furloughs, deferred costs, or higher taxes and fees to mask a growing structural problem. I respectfully ask you to pursue fiscally sustainable labor negotiations, limit permanent compensation growth until the deficit is stabilized, protect taxpayers from new cost burdens, and prioritize essential neighborhood services and infrastructure. Sincerely,