SMC Supervisors Approve $7.7B Budget Plan

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a $7.7 billion budget for the next two years, highlighting investments to make headway in ending homelessness, improve county parks and better mitigate wildfire risks.

The proposal unveiled in May included $4.1 billion for the 2023-24 fiscal year, and $3.6 billion for 2024-24, including funds to create 120 permanent positions, largely in the health services field.

"This budget fulfills a promise to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our region today," said Dave Pine, president of the Board of Supervisors. "We are investing taxpayer dollars in programs and services that help people experiencing homelessness find permanent housing, supports children and families, and continues the transformation of mental health care."

The unanimous vote followed three days of public hearings and input, and more hearings are scheduled for September on final budget revisions to address emerging needs or economic winds.

The budget includes funds to support ongoing operations at the recently-opened Navigation Center and money to increase outreach and engagement services to reach more unsheltered people.

The county will also build up the affordable housing fund to develop more units for people with lower or fixed incomes, along with housing for farmworkers displaced by the January shooting in Half Moon Bay.

Other initiatives will help minimize wildfire risks for communities near parks remove hazardous trees, reduce stormwater runoff, and boost emergency management staffing for earthquake preparedness.

While committing to several key investments, county leaders said the budget reflected a cautious approach amid economic uncertainty.

"This is the longest anticipated recession in history," said County Executive Mike Callagy. "That's why I'm proposing we take this measured approach which allows us more time to understand both the need for services and the fiscal outlook."