The San Diego County Board of Supervisors took significant steps during their June 24, 2025, meeting to address the anticipated impacts of federal budget cuts on local services. The board unanimously supported a plan aimed at protecting essential programs that serve the county's most vulnerable populations, including food security, housing, and healthcare.

The meeting featured passionate testimonies from county workers and community advocates who emphasized the critical need for adequate staffing and resources to maintain service levels. Jarell Howard, a self-sufficiency eligibility worker, highlighted the already high workloads faced by staff, urging the board to collaborate on a strategy that strengthens the self-sufficiency department. Similarly, Karissa Fuentes, another county worker, stressed the importance of timely processing for essential programs, warning that staffing shortages could lead to detrimental outcomes for over 900,000 residents relying on these services.

The board's resolution comes in response to the "1 Big Beautiful Bill," which, if enacted, would impose severe cuts to Medicaid, housing assistance, and food programs, shifting significant financial burdens onto local governments. Supervisor Lawson- Reemer noted that the bill could potentially strip healthcare benefits from 350,000 individuals in San Diego County, increasing the administrative workload for county staff and complicating access to vital services.

Community organizations, including Serving Seniors and the San Diego LGBT Community Center, voiced their support for the board's proactive measures. They underscored the importance of maintaining funding for programs that prevent homelessness and ensure access to healthcare for marginalized groups.

In conclusion, the board's commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy to address these looming federal cuts reflects a critical recognition of the challenges ahead. By prioritizing the needs of both county workers and the communities they serve, San Diego County aims to safeguard essential services and mitigate the impact of potential funding losses. The board will continue to assess staffing and operational readiness in the coming months to ensure that residents do not fall through the cracks as federal support dwindles.