Overview
- City officials say the 2026 Balboa Park festival could be paused or not occur if proposed FY27 cuts advance.
- Mayor Todd Gloria’s plan would remove the positions and money that run December Nights, with staff estimating about $1.5 million in annual city costs.
- The proposed reduction is tied to a budget gap reported between roughly $118 million and $146 million that has put events and services up for cuts.
- Eliminating the dedicated team would make a private takeover difficult because the two-night event draws hundreds of thousands and requires extensive police and park support.
- The Mayor’s Office says it is seeking corporate and philanthropic partners as council budget hearings continue, and residents have voiced anger online including talk of a recall.