Officials warn San Mateo County could lose ~$1 billion in vehicle‑license‑fee funding by 2030

County finance officials told the Board of Supervisors the county faces a structural risk tied to vehicle‑license‑fee (VLF) allocations that, if left unresolved, could reduce county revenue by roughly $1 billion by 2030.

"At stake really is everything we do and the services that we provide," CFO Roberto Mankia said, summarizing the range of services that would be affected if VLF funding is taken away. Mankia said the county has used roughly $60 million in reserves over the last two years to cover past shortfalls and that staff are budgeting on the assumption the county will continue to press the state for a fix.

As a contingency, staff described a possible near‑term plan to reduce $20 million in net county costs and $20 million from Measure K allocations if VLF funds are not restored; those cuts could affect departments across public safety, health and social services, officials said. Mankia advised the board the county will begin union consultations in October and will continue outreach on the issue.

Board members and commenters urged more public engagement — including a possible citizen letter campaign to state officials — and pressed staff for further detail on how proposed cuts would fall across services and on the timing for any decisions.

The board adopted the revised budget (which assumes VLF cooperation) but directed staff to continue contingency planning and advocacy.