National City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in National City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget
The city faces a $12.7 million deficit next year even after $3.5 million in cuts, and reserves will shrink to roughly $500,000. Council restored $235,000 for senior meals and pledged to keep working on the budget starting in August.
Capital Improvement Program On-Call Consultants
Three-year on-call consultant agreements totaling up to $3.8 million across three firms would support the city's capital improvement projects like streets, parks, and facilities.
Business License Tax Reform Advisory Committee Direction
The council was asked to clarify its direction to the committee studying reform of the city's business license tax — the tax local businesses pay, which affects city revenue and business costs.
Business License Tax Reform (Gross Receipts Tax)
A twelve-member ad hoc committee is working toward a business license tax reform recommendation by late November, hoping to place a measure on the 2027 ballot. The Chamber of Commerce complained it's been sidelined despite being told it would lead the process, and the city manager will seek council clarification October 20.
New public comment rules under SB 707
State law now lets residents comment on any agenda item right up until a motion is made, and speaker slips are no longer required. The clerk is visiting all boards and commissions to explain the changes.
Litigation cost increase for Cummins v. National City
The council was set to raise the spending cap on its outside legal counsel for the Cummins appeal by $75,000, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $250,000.
City leadership turnover ends with permanent hires
After roughly ten city manager transitions in four years, the council finally hired a permanent city manager and city attorney — speakers from labor, business, and the dais all welcomed the stability.
Overdue FY 2024-25 Audit Report
A resident pressed again for the long-delayed annual audit, which is past its March 31 deadline and needed to answer budget questions.
San Diego Unified School District litigation
The Council was also briefed on a Superior Court case, San Diego Unified School District v. City of San Diego and others, in which the city is involved. Details of the discussion remain confidential.