The largest item in the budget is almost $770 million from Measure HH, a bond measure approved by voters in November 2024. Funds from the bond are dedicated to building new classrooms, job training facilities, and instructional laboratories; upgrading lecture halls; creating affordable student housing, improving student and veteran support infrastructure; and increasing the use of solar and renewable energy.
“This budget reflects multiple years of prudent financial management and strategic investment,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “With strong multi-year enrollment and revenue growth, this budget increases instructional and student support services as we continue to expand educational opportunities for San Diego’s diverse communities.”
The budget includes almost $685 million in the district’s General Fund, which supports SDCCD’s core operations. The general fund’s ending reserve is projected to be more than $98 million as the result of cost controls and increased revenue.
The increased ending balance demonstrates the fiscal health of SDCCD, said Vice Chancellor of Finance and Business Services Daniel J. Troy.
“We are taking a cautious approach in putting together the district’s budget to ensure that reserves are available to protect against external threats such as federal or state budget cuts,” Troy said.
The budget includes a target of more than 40,000 full-time equivalent students for the district’s four colleges – San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, and the San Diego College of Continuing Education. SDCCD reached 40,000 full-time equivalent students in the 2025-26 academic year, the first time the district has reached that level since 2018.
The budget, which includes more than a dozen different funds in all, was shaped by a collaborative, months-long process led by Vice Chancellor Troy and the 19-member Budget Planning & Development Council comprising representatives from each of the district’s four colleges, union leaders, and administrators.
Under state law, community college districts in California are required to adopt a final budget by September 15 annually.