Immigration enforcement and SB 54
Where it standsA 2025 council resolution declares El Cajon's intent to comply with federal immigration law to the extent legally permissible, and the city is suing the state over its sanctuary law, SB 54.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide whether to keep or repeal the resolution and whether to continue the lawsuit.
- The council voted 3-2 in April 2026 to pursue a lawsuit, filed in San Diego Superior Court by the America First Policy Institute, challenging SB 54. San Diego Union-Tribune · Apr 29, 2026 ↗
- SB 54 prohibits state and local law enforcement from assisting with federal immigration enforcement, with some exceptions. KPBS · Apr 29, 2026 ↗
Budget and revenue
Where it standsThe council passed a $107.4 million general fund budget for 2026-27 that drew $3 million from carryover reserves, with revenue expected at $104.5 million.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide how to close the gap between spending and slowing revenue, including whether to seek new revenue.
- The budget passed 4-1 in June 2026 with an $800,000 reduction in the Fire Department. El Cajon City Council minutes, June 23, 2026 · Jun 23, 2026 ↗
- Slowed revenue led officials to make 2.5% reductions across every department, and the unallocated reserve fell to $5.4 million. San Diego Union-Tribune · Jul 4, 2026 ↗
- City leaders rejected a proposal in February 2026 that would have allowed up to four marijuana dispensaries. San Diego Union-Tribune · Feb 25, 2026 ↗
- Measure J, approved by voters in November 2024, continues the city's half-cent sales tax for 20 years, until March 31, 2049. City of El Cajon ↗
Parkway Plaza
Where it standsThe council is weighing options to acquire, control or influence the owners of Parkway Plaza, an 80-acre mall site, ranging from a development agreement to eminent domain.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide whether the city pursues buying the mall, partners with its owners, or leaves redevelopment to the private market.
License plate cameras
Where it standsThe state attorney general sued El Cajon in October 2025, alleging its police unlawfully share license plate reader data with out-of-state agencies.
What's on the tableThe next council will oversee how the police department uses and shares data from its license plate cameras.
Homelessness
Where it standsThe city says its primary goal is to help homeless people move into permanent housing, working with neighboring cities, county agencies, nonprofits and faith groups.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide how the city funds homeless services and how it works with the county and nonprofit providers.
- The city partners with neighboring cities, county agencies, nonprofits and faith-based organizations to provide services. City of El Cajon ↗
- Bill Wells's campaign says he has fought the county over placing homeless people in El Cajon motels. Bill Wells campaign site ↗