San Diego Voters Reject New Fees and Tax Hikes

Residents skeptical of officials' spending habits as city and county seek revenue increases

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city and county of San Diego are facing budget deficits and are looking to raise taxes and fees to address the shortfalls. However, San Diego voters have repeatedly rejected tax and fee increases, citing a lack of trust in how officials are spending existing funds. Recent unpopular measures include a trash collection fee hike and a new pay-to-park system in Balboa Park, leading to skepticism about further requests for more revenue.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing tension between local governments seeking new revenue and taxpayers who want to see more fiscal responsibility and accountability before approving new taxes and fees. It reflects a broader trend of voters pushing back against perceived government overspending and mismanagement.

The details

San Diego officials have hired over 1,000 new employees in the past five years, many in middle management roles, and gave city workers 23% raises during the pandemic using one-time federal relief funds. Voters rejected a 2024 sales tax increase, Measure E, due to a lack of trust that the city would spend the new revenue wisely. Now the city is planning another sales tax hike, while also implementing unpopular new fees like a trash collection fee that has nearly doubled its original estimate and a pay-to-park system in Balboa Park, the city's iconic public space. At the county level, officials are also considering a sales tax increase, property transfer tax hike, and a new payroll tax.

  • In 2022, the city authorized a new trash collection fee that was originally estimated to be $23-$29 per month but will soon be nearly double that amount.
  • In 2024, San Diego voters rejected Measure E, a proposed sales tax increase, due to a lack of trust in how the city would spend the new revenue.

The players

Mark Kersey

A former two-term San Diego city councilman and the current president & CEO of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We voters are reasonable people who will support tax measures that go toward specific purposes we value — if the need, and fiscal discipline, can be demonstrated.”

— Mark Kersey, Former San Diego City Councilman and President & CEO of San Diego County Taxpayers Association

What’s next

City officials are reportedly planning to put another sales tax increase on the ballot this year, but early indications suggest San Diego voters may reject it again due to ongoing concerns about the city's spending habits.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing divide between local governments seeking new revenue sources and taxpayers who want to see more fiscal responsibility and accountability before approving new taxes and fees. It reflects a broader trend of voters pushing back against perceived government overspending and mismanagement.