Riverside County Budget Public Hearings

County of Riverside’s $10.3 Billion Recommended Budget Available for Public Review Ahead of June Hearings ymachado June 2, 2026 The County of Riverside has released its recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27, which is now available for public review on the County’s website ahead of public budget hearings scheduled for June 8.The recommended budget reflects a slowing revenue environment, rising operating costs, and increasing demand for County services. Despite these challenges, the proposed spending plan continues to prioritize the services residents rely upon most while preserving the County’s long-term financial stability.The recommended budget totals more than $10.3 billion across all funds. Discretionary General Fund revenue, which provides the greatest flexibility to support County programs and services, is projected at approximately $1.4 billion. County departments submitted approximately $700 million in requests for additional discretionary General Fund support above existing funding levels, significantly exceeding available revenue.To address this gap, the recommended budget includes approximately $66.1 million in use of reserves, along with targeted spending controls and staffing management strategies designed to align expenditures with available revenue. The County’s reserve position, which has grown substantially over the past decade through disciplined fiscal management, provides the flexibility to manage current economic pressures while minimizing impacts on services.The recommended budget is designed to address near-term fiscal challenges while positioning the County for long-term sustainability. In addition to the strategic use of reserves, the budget incorporates a hiring freeze for departments receiving General Fund support, maximum fill rates for selected mission-critical jobs classes, and ongoing evaluation of expenditures to reduce reliance on one-time resources over time.“This recommended budget reflects difficult choices, but it also reflects confidence that disciplined decisions today will preserve the County’s long-term stability and protect core services,” said County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen. “The decisions made by the Board of Supervisors in prior years created the capacity to manage today's challenges more thoughtfully and deliberately than would otherwise have been possible.”This year’s recommended plan continues to prioritize core services relied upon by residents, including $3.1 billion for health and hospital services, $2.4 billion for public safety, $2.0 billion for human services, and $1.1 billion for public works and community services.The recommended budget also reflects the continued efforts of County employees who have adapted to growing service demands while helping identify efficiencies and cost-saving measures across County operations.Feedback received through budget surveys, community workshops, and other public outreach efforts helped inform several recommendations contained in the proposed budget, including: More than $5.5 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funding to complete affordable housing projects already under construction, including Palm Villas in Palm Desert, Oak View Apartments in Murrieta, and Riley Senior Apartments in the Blythe area. The proposed budget includes $53.6 million to support development of the Behavioral Health Youth Wellness Village at the Harmony Haven campus, expanding access to substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health services. Nearly $9.1 million in additional County funding to support CalFresh food and grocery assistance for low-income families. Approximately $351 million in transportation projects ranging from road maintenance to major infrastructure improvements throughout Riverside County. Nearly $5 million for enhanced firefighter staffing in the communities of Winchester, Beaumont and the Coachella Valley.The Board of Supervisors will hold budget hearings on Monday, June 8, to receive public input before taking final action on the spending plan.The hearings will begin with presentations from County departments regarding their respective budget requests and operational needs. Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide comments before the Board deliberates on the proposed budget. The final budget is scheduled for adoption on June 23.“This budget reflects the realities facing Riverside County and communities across California,” said Board Chair and Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “I encourage residents to review the recommended budget and share their thoughts during the public hearings. We look forward to hearing from the community as we work to approve a budget that serves the interests of all Riverside County residents.” Images FY 26-27 Budget Hearings - Website.jpg June 2, 2026