San Diego Voters May Approve Balboa Park Upgrade Tax

Proposed ballot measure would fund $1 billion in park improvements through property tax increase.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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San Diego voters could soon be asked to approve a property tax measure that would allow the city to issue up to $1 billion in general obligation bonds to fund a long list of upgrades in Balboa Park. The measure would eliminate paid parking in the park and fund projects like a new underground parking garage, a rebuild of the San Diego Museum of Art, and restoration of historic venues like the Old Globe and Starlight Bowl.

Why it matters

Balboa Park is a beloved civic asset in San Diego, but the aging infrastructure and facilities have required ongoing investment. This measure aims to provide a significant funding source to address a backlog of upgrades and improvements, while also making the park more accessible by eliminating paid parking. The outcome of this ballot measure could have major implications for the future of one of San Diego's most iconic public spaces.

The details

The proposed ballot measure would allow the city to issue up to $1 billion in general obligation bonds, which would be paid off through a new parcel tax assessment of between $3.50 and $23 per $100,000 of assessed value. On a $500,000 home, the tax would start at $17.50 per year and could rise to $115 per year as the city reaches the debt limit. The funds would go towards projects like a new underground parking garage, a $250 million rebuild of the San Diego Museum of Art, and restorations of the Old Globe and Starlight Bowl. The measure also includes funding for new park ranger stations, a pedestrian bridge, and upgrades to Morley Field and the Golden Hill Recreation Center.

  • The proposed ballot measure would be on the November 2026 ballot.

The players

Platform for Democracy

A new issue-advocacy group championing the Balboa Park upgrade ballot measure.

Western States Carpenters

A labor union that funded a poll testing the viability of the Balboa Park upgrade ballot measure.

Andy Kopp

CEO of Platform for Democracy, the group advocating for the Balboa Park upgrade ballot measure.

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What they’re saying

“Balboa Park matters to all San Diegans, and the group wants it to be unrivaled for generations to come.”

— Andy Kopp, CEO, Platform for Democracy (Times of San Diego)

What’s next

The group behind the ballot measure is now gathering with supporters to make a final determination on whether to move forward with their campaign, which would begin with collecting signatures in hopes of qualifying the measure for the November 2026 ballot.

The takeaway

This proposed ballot measure represents a significant investment in preserving and enhancing one of San Diego's most iconic public spaces. If approved by voters, it would fund a wide range of upgrades and improvements to Balboa Park's aging infrastructure and facilities, while also making the park more accessible by eliminating paid parking.