Santa Ana cuts five commissions as Measure X debate continues

Santa Ana has closed its 2026-27 budget gap with a mix of spending cuts and modest new revenue, and one of the most visible changes is the elimination of five resident advisory commissions.

Voice of OC reported that the Youth Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Historic Resources Commission, and Environmental and Transportation Advisory Commission are being dissolved to save a little over $38,000. LAist reported the broader budget plan also trims park maintenance, after-school programming, vacant positions, ambulance service hours, and other department spending.

The bigger fiscal question is still Measure X. The City of Santa Ana says the voter-approved sales tax funds emergency response, homelessness and housing services, streets, parks, and senior and after-school programs. The tax runs at 1.5% through April 1, 2029, then falls to 1.0% before ending in 2039 unless voters change course.

City leaders have already voted to prepare a ballot measure that would cancel the sunset and keep the tax in place. For residents, that means the near-term budget is now set, but the next fight over city services is already underway.

Sources

• Voice of OC — Santa Ana budget and commission cut report
• City of Santa Ana — Measure X page
• LAist — Santa Ana deficit and budget timeline explainer