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Subject: In opposition to Item 18: Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Deliberations (230.05)

Dear Mayor and Council Members,

I am writing to you as a concerned constituent who believes the proposed 2026–2027 budget does not reflect the clear priorities of the community you serve.

Despite extensive public input through council meetings, stakeholder sessions, and Measure I engagement, this budget fails to address urgent needs—especially around affordable housing and essential services. Instead of responding to this input, the City has declared the budget “complete” and held a visioning session in the middle of budget season—while ignoring what the community has already clearly stated.

We urge you to take the following actions before finalizing the budget:

1. Allocate at least $5 million to the Local Housing Trust Fund without cutting vital services like housing programs, libraries, parks, or city workers.
2. Adjust the reserve requirement by 1% to help fund this initiative.
3. Ensure the inclusion of public input gathered throughout the budget and Measure I engagement process.

It is not the public’s responsibility to identify funding sources or create budget plans. That responsibility lies with you—as elected officials—who are entrusted to represent our interests and prioritize a livable, equitable city.

If the necessary revisions cannot be made, I urge you to vote NO on the current budget proposal.

{YOUR NAME}