Santa Ana City Council approves balanced 2026-27 budget that protects services, continues investments in public spaces

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved a balanced budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, that protects essential City services while continuing to invest in neighborhood improvements, parks, streets, youth, arts and public safety.

The City's general fund budget totals $435 million and supports core services such as libraries, parks, youth programs, police and fire protection, code enforcement, building safety and street repairs. The total City budget, which also includes housing, water, sewer and other dedicated funds, is $786 million.

"This budget reflects our commitment to the people of Santa Ana," Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. "Even in a challenging financial environment, we are protecting essential services, investing in our neighborhoods, and continuing to improve the quality of life for residents. We are making strategic investments that will benefit Santa Ana today and for years to come."

Community input played an important role in shaping the budget. More than 2,800 residents participated through surveys, community meetings and conversations with City staff. The top priorities identified by residents were public safety, road repairs and youth programs.

While the City faced a projected $13 million budget shortfall, staff balanced the budget without cutting core services, laying off or furloughing full-time employees. The City will maintain a healthy reserve to help prepare for future economic challenges.

The 2026-27 budget continues to deliver transformative investments in City facilities, parks and infrastructure that have revitalized neighborhoods and public spaces throughout Santa Ana.

The budget continues Santa Ana's strong investment in parks, recreation and youth services, exceeding the City Charter requirement for public recreation by 49%. Funding includes:

• $14 million for Parks, Recreation and Community Services programs and operations
• $16 million for park and facility maintenance
• $3.4 million for youth programs funded through cannabis tax revenue

The budget includes a $27 million Capital Improvement Program to upgrade streets, improve traffic safety and enhance public facilities, including:

• $21.1 million for street improvements
• $2.9 million for traffic and road safety projects
• $3.2 million for municipal and park facility improvements, including $1 million to fully renovate and reimagine Chepa's Park

Additionally, the City Council set aside $1.5 million to purchase land for a new park in the Washington Square neighborhood.

The City Council also added funding for several neighborhood improvement projects:

• $650,000 for restroom and site improvements at Cabrillo Park
• $600,000 for lighting and security cameras along the Alton Bike Trail
• $350,000 for new streetlights at 18th and Jefferson streets
• $250,000 for a shade structure at Edna Park
• $100,000 for streetlights at the Harvey and Carol Avenue cul-de-sacs

The City continues working to attract new businesses, create jobs and grow the local economy to strengthen Santa Ana's tax base and support high-quality services for residents in the years ahead.

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