Facing a sizeable budget deficit, the city is constantly seeking solutions. Peninsula residents will have a chance to provide input in their own backyard regarding the city budget during the Citizens Revenue Review and Economic Competitiveness Commission (CRRECC) meeting tonight, July 29. “It’s a group of volunteers that was put together to look at the options for the city, particularly how can we make San Diego more business friendly, more competitive and generate revenue,” said District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer. CRRECC is a city-created entity dedicated to finding solutions for the municipal deficit. The commission has held regular meetings since December, and the upcoming 6 p.m. meeting at the Hervey/Point Loma Branch Library marks the 15th time the group has met — although this is the first meeting held locally. “I specifically wanted them to have a meeting in our district,” Faulconer said, “because I wanted our neighbors to have the opportunity to weigh in, give their ideas on how the city can save money, be more competitive and attract jobs.” At the meeting, residents will have the chance to learn about CRRECC and the city’s budget. Faulconer said the meeting will be very interactive, with small group discussions about economic competitiveness and revenue options for the city. CRRECC is made up of eight members — each nominated by a different City Council district — including representatives from local universities, businesses, builders and the legal profession. The mayor, independent budget analyst and city attorney also have representatives, and the commission also has an independent auditor. According to its website, the goal of CRRECC is to make budget recommendations to the mayor and City Council based on a budget audit and citywide surveys and research regarding ways to boost business and maximize revenues. More than 20 meetings have been planned, and seven more are scheduled through December. For more information, visit www.-sandiego.gov/crrecc. The Hervey/Point Loma Branch Library is located at 3701 Voltaire St.
