Lodi Eye
LodiEye provides additional information on trending stories / topics published by local media and shared on local social media accounts.
$1.7 Trillion for War, Pennies for Home
The largest military spending increase since World War II funnels billions to politically connected contractors while slashing science, housing, energy aid, and environmental protection. We break down the national security claims, rate their credibility, and trace the impacts to San Joaquin County.
Uncle Sam Is $136 Trillion in the Hole — And San Joaquin County Is Already Feeling It
The U.S. Treasury's own FY 2025 financial statements reveal $6.06 trillion in assets against $47.78 trillion in liabilities — a negative net position of $41.72 trillion. Including off-balance-sheet obligations for Social Security and Medicare, total federal commitments exceed $136.2 trillion. Social Security faces trust fund depletion as early as 2032. Medicare's Hospital Insurance fund is projected to run dry in 2033. And San Joaquin County is already facing $50.9 to $76.9 million in annual revenue losses from H.R. 1 alone.
San Joaquin County FY 2025-2026 Budget
San Joaquin County adopted a $3.02 billion structurally-balanced budget for FY 2025-2026, a $198.6 million increase (7.0%) over the prior year. This marks twelve consecutive years of balanced budgets without drawing on prior-year reserves. The budget prioritizes public safety, homelessness and behavioral health, parks and recreation, and major capital infrastructure—while setting aside $151.1 million in contingency reserves and contributing $34 million toward unfunded retirement liabilities.
Lodi's Current Finances and Projections for 2026-2027
The City of Lodi is navigating a challenging but manageable fiscal environment in FY 2025-26, characterized by a projected $4.8 million structural deficit over the next five years, rising pension costs, and the lingering effects of the business license tax refund issue. The mid-year budget report reveals a complex picture in which revenue shortfalls are offset by unexpected gains in interest income, careful use of prior-year fund balances, and strategic inter-fund transfers.
Lodi Civic Project Status - January 2026
The City of Lodi, California is executing an ambitious capital improvement program totaling over $291 million citywide for FY 2025-2026, with $16.9 million specifically allocated for essential infrastructure projects. This analysis examines major civic projects currently in planning or under construction.
California Budget Update - January 2026
The 2026-27 California State Budget released in January 2026 provides significant opportunities for San Joaquin County and Lodi through direct infrastructure investments, competitive grant programs, and formula-based funding allocations.
Residential Solar - Big Changes Coming
Rooftop solar adoption in San Joaquin County will be influenced by federal trade policy, California’s net metering regulations and the One Big Beautiful Bill. The cost of solar instailations will increase signifcantly and homeowners will wait longer for a return on their investment.
California Gas Prices linked to Brend Crude Price
California's gasoline and diesel prices are closely linked to global crude oil benchmarks, particularly Brent crude, due to the state's reliance on imported oil. The conflict between Israel and Iran could potentially close the Hormuz Strait — 25% of the world’s crude oil must transit there. Any restriction on oil shipments would raise the global price of crude oil, specifically Brent Crude.
Lodi City Budget: Fiscal Challenges
The City of Lodi, California, faces significant fiscal challenges as it implements budget cuts and cost-saving measures to address mounting financial pressures. Despite approving a $291 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, the city faces a projected $4.8 million structural deficit that is expected to emerge over the next five years.
Medi-Cal, Medicaid changes — A Medical Emergency for Lodi?
As Steve Mann writes in his recent “About Town” article, “Medical Emergency - Cuts could devastate Lodi Memorial Hospital,” changes to Medi-Cal and Medicaid funding could have a significant impact on Lodi Memorial and other San Joaquin County hospitals. This report analyzes the current CA budget proposals and the Federal “Big Beautiful Bill” to explore how Lodi and San Joaquin County might be impacted.
Governor Newsom's May Revision Budget
Governor Gavin Newsom released his May Revision proposal for the 2025-26 California state budget on May 14, 2025, outlining a $321.9 billion spending plan that addresses a significant budget shortfall while maintaining essential services. This revised budget reveals the complex fiscal challenges facing California's economy and highlights the administration's priorities amid economic uncertainty.
Lodi City Council - Looking back over 2024
The Lodi City Council made several significant decisions over the past year (February 2024–February 2025) that shaped infrastructure, public safety, and community development.
How did Lodi City Council address the Revenue Losses in the Budget
What new revenue-generating initiatives and programs did Lodi City Council discover or implement?