Escondido Giving Arch Progress
The new archway that will span Grand Avenue at Center City Parkway is making progress. The Escondido Giving Arch was made possible by an anonymous donor through the Escondido Charitable Foundation and once complete it will be over 40 feet tall and extend 108 feet wide.

On Tuesday, February 17 the majority of the arch was put together on the ground and is scheduled to be lifted into place in the coming weeks.

A lighting and dedication ceremony is scheduled for March 12 at 6:00 p.m. on Grand Avenue at Center City Parkway under the Arch. The free event will feature local high school bands, mariachis and more!

State of the City 2020
Don't forget, next Wednesday, February 26 is the Annual State of the City Address at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for networking with the program beginning at 8:00 a.m. sharp. This event is hosted in partnership with the Escondido Chamber of Commerce. This event is FREE to attend, please RSVP at:
Link Here 

2020/21 Budget Updates:
This section is being added to the Weekly Activity Report to increase transparency, raise awareness and increase engagement on the City’s finances and budget related matters.    This section will be updated weekly to include information on upcoming public meetings, narrative about budgetary decisions departments are facing, and links to City Council meeting agendas to encourage participation in the budget process.    

The City’s annual operating budget cycle begins in January with the preparation of the budgetary forecast for the next fiscal year that runs from July 1 through June 30.  This forecast projects revenue and expenditure for the General Fund in the upcoming fiscal year.  The budgetary forecast for Fiscal Year 2020-21 is projecting a $6 million operating budget deficit.  This deficit is due to projected revenue growth not keeping pace with projected municipal costs.

City Departments have been asked to submit their Fiscal Year 2020-21 General Fund operating budgets with a 3% reduction over their prior year adopted budgets.  Departments are to specifically identify the impact a 3% budget reduction will have on the services and programs provided to City residents.  Departments are scheduled to submit budget proposals to the City’s Finance Department in February and March. 

Budget Workshop:

The City will be holding a community workshop next Thursday, February 27, at 6 p.m. in the Mitchell Room at City Hall.  This workshop will discuss the City’s annual budget process along with the Public Safety and Essential City Services Ballot Measure.  This meeting will provide the community with an opportunity to learn about where the City’s spending goes and share input on their priorities for the City.  If you have any questions about the meeting, please call Christina Holmes at 760-839-4620.