Local governments across the country have faced growing financial strain over the past few years. Inflation has driven up the cost of doing business, the long tail of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect staffing and service delivery, and interest rate hikes (intended to cool inflation) have had unintended consequences for revenue streams tied to economic activity. For the County of San Diego Assessor / Recorder / County Clerk’s Office, which relies almost entirely on fees for revenue—including fees from recording real estate transactions—that convergence of factors triggered a deep and immediate fiscal crisis.
- Publication date: June 2025
- Author: Adam Powell