San Gabriel City Hall (Photo – Ken Lund)
The San Gabriel City Council heard a staff presentation on the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget kickoff plan and proclaimed February as Black History Month during its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 3.
By Zamourad Iqbal
According to staff, the budget kickoff focused on setting priorities, outlining the overall timeline, and encouraging community engagement in the budget planning process.
Long-term budget priorities center on three main areas: city infrastructure, capital investment, and maintaining financial health.
Additional priorities within the city budget include well-maintained streets, parks, and city facilities; public safety; homeless outreach and mental health resources; economic development; community services, with a particular focus on youth and seniors, and city-sponsored special events to foster community engagement.
Councilmember John Wu emphasized the importance of public involvement in the budget process. “I think this is also a great opportunity for our community to share ideas and help us get the budgets right,” Wu said.
Wu also asked whether social media platforms or other methods could be used to gather additional public input on the proposed budget.
In response, staff said community outreach efforts will include promoting public engagement through bilingual strategies to reach diverse demographics, as well as surveys and other communication channels to increase participation.
Key dates in the budget process include departmental budget meetings with the city manager and finance staff on March 16, 2026.
A special City Council budget study session is scheduled for April 27.
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget on June 2, 2026, at which time the council may adopt the budget. If further discussion is needed, the public hearing will continue on June 16, 2026.
Mayor Denise Menchaca proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month on behalf of the City Council. Menchaca also announced a program hosted by the San Gabriel Public Library in observance of Black History Month. The event will celebrate Black history through the arts and explore the life and work of Alma Thomas, a pioneering abstract artist and dedicated educator. It will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17.
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