PRESS CONFERENCE: San Diego Declares a Civic Emergency

Community Leaders and Elected Officials to Demand Urgent Action as Federal Rollbacks Devastate Local Services

San Diego’s nonprofit infrastructure is at a breaking point under the weight of federal rollbacks and defunding — disproportionately harming the region’s most vulnerable. On June 17, leaders from across sectors will gather at Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center to publicly declare a state of civic emergency and call for bold, unified action.

This event marks six months since federal funding freezes and policy rollbacks began destabilizing San Diego’s nonprofit sector—resulting in widespread layoffs, lost services, and deepening harm to vulnerable communities. It will also uplift firsthand accounts of impact, data on sector-wide disruption, and a united commitment to safeguard democracy, racial equity, and community resilience.

Recent data underscores the crisis:

• 72% of nonprofit leaders report current or imminent harm.

• 1 in 3 organizations have already reduced or ended services.

• Nearly 500 staff have been laid off or furloughed—mostly in immigrant- and refugee-serving nonprofits.

• $80M+ in federal grants rescinded from vital community initiatives.

• Over half of San Diego’s nonprofits rely on federal funds, many now face service disruptions.

Event Details:

• What: Press Conference – Emergency Declaration: Safeguarding Democracy and Resourcing Communities

• When: Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Where: Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center — 1960 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

• Who: Featured speakers include leaders from community organizations, government agencies, and academia (to be announced).

• Visuals + Interview Opportunities:

  • Diverse lineup of speakers representing health, education, and environmental justice

  • Youth and community testimony

  • Compelling calls for action by public officials

• Background: The San Diego Solidarity Network (SDSN) has issued a formal Emergency Declaration in response to alarming data showing that federal actions have resulted in widespread service reductions, layoffs, and institutional instability—especially in BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities.

Accommodations: If you have any specific accommodation requests, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing us at ccfsdchapter@gmail.com.