Dear community,
On April 15, the Mayor released his proposed budget for FY27. To address a $118 million deficit, the proposal includes $11.8 million in cuts to the arts by eliminating critical arts and culture grants that San Diego Pride and hundreds of other nonprofits depend on to operate.
For San Diego Pride, these cuts would reduce city funding in our current fiscal year from nearly $400,000 to zero. This support primarily sustains our festival talent, the majority of whom are local and BIPOC artists. This loss would significantly undermine our financial stability and hinder our ability to fulfill our mission of fostering pride, equality, and respect for all LGBTQ+ communities locally, nationally, and globally.
And we are not alone. From the Office of Child & Youth Success (OCYS) to our libraries, parks and recreation centers, the proposed cuts will impact the services that countless San Diegans rely on for resources, opportunities, and community.
At a time when queer and trans communities are facing escalating attacks nationwide, it would be deeply disheartening to see the support San Diego Pride receives from the city reduced to zero, particularly in a city led by its first openly gay mayor and one of the most LGBTQ+ City Councils in its history.
How You Can Help
Reach out to the Mayor and Council members. Make your voice heard by urging city leadership to oppose cuts of this scale to arts and culture organizations. We’ve made it simple! Click here and enter your address to identify your representatives and send a customizable message directly to their offices.
Speak Out at the Budget Review Committee Public Hearing
Join us at the City Budget Review Committee’s Public Hearing to provide public comment on budget priorities and share why it is important that City Council prioritizes funding for arts and culture. Need help writing your public comment? Reach out to us at [email protected]
When: Monday, May 4 – 6:00 P.M.
Where: City Administration Building, 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Engage with your Local Community
Do you live in District 3 or 6? Stop by one of these upcoming budget town halls to share your budget priorities with your community and Council Member.
Thursday, May 7 – 6:00 P.M. District 6 Budget Townhall | Mira Mesa Library
Tuesday, May 12 – 6:00 P.M. District 2 Budget Townhall | City Hall
If enacted, these cuts would leave a significant gap in the funding needed to sustain our year-round programming. Grassroots support has always been one of the most powerful ways our community shows up for one another, your contribution can help ensure this work continues.
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
