Fiscal future looks bright for San Bernardino

After years of cost-cutting that left many critical services, including the police department, with few resources to work with, San Bernardino is poised for what looks like a significant recovery.

Thanks to Measure S the 1 percent tax approved by voters last year, which was heavily promoted as necessary by Mayor John Valdivia, the city manager’s office is now projecting an increase in tax revenue of more than twenty percent.

During the first of a series of planned budget workshops, City Manager Rob Field laid out a plan to address city services by adding more code enforcement officers and police.  City infrastructure such as street maintenance, trash clean up and adding lighting in parts of the city to deter crime will also be considered.

Since San Bernardino is still a relatively affordable place to live, making it safer, improving infrastructure and other things such as the quality of schools will attract more residents,”  said Jay Prag Economist, The Drucker School.  “After more affluent residents move in, what will follow is more retail and dining.   This cycle will provide a positive improvement in San Bernardino’s outlook for years to come.”

The city council is expected to review the updated 2021-22 budget on Wednesday, May 19.