San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget removes funding for the city’s Office of Child and Youth Success, and that move has prompted immediate pushback from local groups. Community and youth-serving organizations are urging the mayor and city council leaders to reopen discussions and restore money for the office before the budget is finalized.
The Office of Child and Youth Success functions as a central coordinator for programs and policies that support young people and families. While specific programs vary over time, offices like this typically help align after-school programming, mental health resources, summer supports and partnership efforts among city departments, schools and nonprofits. Advocates say losing a dedicated office could make it harder to maintain those connections and measure outcomes across services.
Local organizations worry that without city support, existing services could be disrupted, staff positions could be at risk, and long-term planning for youth initiatives could lose momentum. They argue that the office plays an important role in amplifying community needs and keeping agencies working together rather than in isolation. Those concerns have driven recent calls for the mayor and council to reconsider the funding decision.
The budget presented by the mayor is a draft and typically moves through a review process that includes council deliberations and public input. That means elected leaders still have opportunities to adjust allocations, restore programs or propose alternatives. Community members and service providers often use hearings and meetings to make their case and press for changes during that phase.
Organizers are encouraging residents who care about child and youth services to attend public hearings, contact their councilmembers and press for a collaborative solution that preserves core supports. For many advocates, the question is not just about a line item in a budget but about ensuring sustained coordination and resources for children and families across the city.
