ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No: D2
Prepared by: Imelda M. Huerta, Assistant City Manager Meeting Date: March 10, 2026 Approved by: John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion S
UBJECT: SUPPORTING STATE FUNDING FOR LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES UNDER PROPOSITION 36 RE
COMMENDATION: Discuss advocating for State funding under Proposition 36 and, if the City Council chooses to do so, adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026- , supporting State funding for local municipalities under Proposition 36.
P
RIOR ACTION: None.
S
TATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: Deputy Mayor Dan O’Donnell requested the City Manager place a discussion item on an upcoming agenda to discuss a Resolution supporting State funding for local municipalities under Proposition 36.
As a background, Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, passed with 68% of the vote and took effect in California on December 18, 2024. The voters of the State of California approved Proposition 36 to address critical public safety, accountability, community well-being priorities. The effective implementation of Proposition 36 requires significant coordination between state and local governments.
Additionally, Proposition 36 is revitalizing drug courts by providing leverage to encourage individuals to engage in treatment programs. The measure allows defendants accused of non-violent drug crimes to opt for treatment instead of prison sentences, aiming to address underlying issues of addiction.
On February 9, 2026, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan provided a presentation at the Cal Cities San Diego County Division meeting on this measure and provided data (Exhibit 3). As reported by the District Attorney, in early April 2025, the Superior Court approved the countywide implementation of mandated treatment under the new law. Since then, 98% of eligible defendants are on a treatment track through a deferred entry of judgment or felony probation conditions, and Drug Court has seen an increase in participants, with 309 individuals enrolled as of July 2025, out of a capacity of 440.
Cities such as the City of Vista serve on the front lines of implementation. Whether addressing public safety, behavioral health services, accountability programs, or community -based prevention efforts, local governments require sustainable funding to carry out these responsibilities effectively. Without adequate and sustained state funding, local governments may face increased fiscal pressure, reduced service levels, and limited capacity to meet the goals and mandates established under Proposition 36.
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
Approved above recommendation, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2026-45. Vote: 5-0