SMC Considers 2-Year Budget Plan Valued At $7.7B

REDWOOD CITY, CA — San Mateo County has unveiled a $7.7 billion spending plan to cover the next two years, which officials said Friday was designed to bolster the social safety net while facing an "uncertain economic outlook."

The recommendation shared by SMC Executive Mike Callagy is based on priorities outlined by the Board of Supervisors and will go through three public hearings late next month. Callagy's office shared a few of the budget's priorities, including making progress toward ending homelessness through investments in shelters, affordable housing, counseling, job training, and rental assistance.

Other priorities include better support for children and families, modernizing emergency response protocols, and doing more to prepare for wildfires, floods, earthquakes and other disasters.

"While we continue to focus attention on our communities still recovering from COVID 19 as well as fires, floods and other challenges, we are also looking ahead to an approach that emphasizes long-term financial stability coupled with investments that build our resilience to whatever emergencies come our way," Callagy said Friday.

The proposed budget includes $4.1 billion for the 2023-24 fiscal year and $3.6 billion for 2024-25. It seeks to add 120 new positions, largely in the health services field, with about 40 percent resulting from converting limited-term positions to permanent roles.

In a news release, county officials acknowledged the impacts of inflation that residents and businesses continue to endure, growing commercial vacancies and other evolving economic concerns.

"This cautious approach allows us to prioritize the most pressing needs of our communities while mainitiaing the fexibility to adapt to changing circumstances," Callagy said. "We remain dedicated to serving our residents and will continue to assess the situation as it evolves, making informed decisions that prioritize our Board's goals, which take into account the well-being and continued prosperity of our county."

The two-year proposal will have public hearings before the board between June 26 and June 28 and will be subject to revisions in September. Residents can follow along with the process via the county's Office of Budget and Performance.