BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - 2026-05-05
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors held a routine meeting on May 5, 2026, approving fee increases for County Fire, medical examiner, and behavioral health services (Items 9-11, FP1-2), and directing staff to optimize revenue from 800+ county parking spaces in Downtown San Diego (Item 12). The board also received a mandated AB 2561 report showing the county's overall vacancy rate dropped to 5.1%, though health services positions remain at 14.1% vacancy. No zoning changes or major development approvals were on the agenda.
Key Decisions (4)
Fee Increases for County Fire, Medical Examiner, HHSA, and Other Services
Board adopted ordinance updating fees and rates for County Fire (including building permits, fire sprinkler inspections), medical examiner, Health and Human Services Agency behavioral health services, finance and general government groups, San Diego County Fire Protection District grant ambulance service, and annual fire mitigation program effective fiscal year 2026-27. Supervisor Desmond proposed waiving residential building permit fee increases but found no support.
Downtown San Diego Parking Revenue Optimization Study
Board directed staff to work with vendor Ace Parking to evaluate over 800 county parking spaces in Downtown San Diego to maximize utilization and revenue, improve public awareness of parking availability, and support downtown visitors including those attending Padres games and evening events.
AB 2561 Vacancy and Retention Report Accepted
Board accepted presentation on county vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts as required by Assembly Bill 2561. Overall county vacancy rate is 5.1% (down from 6.2% in 2025), with 19,217 employees filling 20,250 budgeted positions. Health services unit has highest vacancy rate at 14.1%. SEIU raised concerns about specific classification shortages including 42% vacancy rate for sheriff detention LVNs and 33% for sheriff detention mental health clinicians.
Item 5 Withdrawn - Gender Equity Consultant Contract
Item 5 regarding a contract with HRNA Advisors Inc. related to ending discrimination and promoting human rights was withdrawn at the request of the chief administrative officer.
Market Signals (3)
Labor
County vacancy rate dropped to 5.1% from 6.2%, but health services positions remain at 14.1% vacancy with acute shortages in detention healthcare roles (42% vacancy for LVNs, 33% for mental health clinicians), indicating ongoing workforce challenges in public safety healthcare.
Infrastructure
County completed 356 miles of road resurfacing, 142 miles of new bike lanes, 1,387 ADA curb ramps, and achieved a pavement condition rating of 70, recognized as best in California among cities and counties.
Commercial Demand
County seeking to optimize revenue from 800+ downtown parking spaces, citing scarcity of parking as barrier to downtown visitation and evening economic activity.