Board of Supervisors Approves $9.6 Billion Budget, Targeting Investments in Unincorporated Regions, Expanding Infrastructure in Underserved Areas, and Supporting Enhanced Services Countywide

Riverside County, CA – This week, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a $9.6 billion budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year that expands essential services for the county’s growing population. Notably, the county experienced an increase of 11 percent comparatively to last year’s $8.6 billion budget. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to allocate $2.6 billion to Health Services, $2.2 billion to Public Safety, $2.1 billion to Human Services, and $1.2 billion to Public Works and Community Services.   

The 2024-2025 budget brings continued investments to unincorporated communities, develops infrastructure and economic development opportunities in underserved regions, and addresses Third District priorities. Additionally, for the third consecutive year, Riverside County’s General Fund discretionary budget remains structurally balanced.   

“To continue improving the quality of life for the residents of California’s fastest growing county, my colleagues and I have invested in vital initiatives such as affordable housing, public safety, and behavioral health services,” said Chairman Chuck Washington, Third District Supervisor. “This budget is a testament to the County’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of those who call Riverside County home while also remaining fiscally responsible.”  

Within the $2.6 billion that has been allocated to Health Services, nearly $1 billion has been committed to Riverside University Health System (RUHS) – Behavioral Health to address the complex needs of individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Riverside County leaders and public officials recently broke ground on the RUHS Wellness Village in Mead Valley that is set to open in 2026 and will serve all county residents as a regional healthcare hub. 

Additional notable program and service allocations include $12.1 million to the Department of Public Social Services to support Harmony Haven, a safe and secure transitional shelter for foster youth with therapeutic support and individualized care assessments on site, and approximately $1 million to CAL FIRE for wildfire prevention efforts. Supervisor Washington and his colleagues also appropriated $2 million to the Department of Animal Services for expanded community access to low cost spay and neuter surgeries. Further, the Third District received $2 million to fund special projects unique to the unincorporated communities as part of the Unincorporated Communities Initiative (UCI).  

The next fiscal year runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The new budget will take effect on July 1, 2024. To view the budget book, please visit https://rivco.org/budget-information. To learn more about UCI, visit https://rivco.org/unincorporated-communities-initiative.