Despite strong economic growth, San Diego suffers from chronic underinvestment in  basic public services and infrastructure ranging from fire protection to library services.

The region's anti-tax fervor has led to fiscal irresponsibility on the part of local governments that neglect  public services essential to the daily and long-term needs of people and businesses.

CPI's 2005 report, The Bottom Line, documented that San Diego is one of the most under-resourced metropolitan areas in California. Despite strong economic growth, the City of San Diego fails to collect revenue routinely raised by other cities, and cannot adequately fund basic services.

Chronic Underfunding of Fire Services
Officials in San Diego City and County have failed to adequately plan for fire protection, resulting in more damage when fires strike.

The Bottom Line
Solutions for San Diego's Budget Crisis. (2005)

Revenues and Officer Retention
A Perspective on the Exodus of San Diego's Police Officers. (2006)