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Blueprint board adopts 2026 operating budget and 5‑year CIP; adds air service and affordable‑housing gap programs
Summary
The agency adopted the proposed 2026 operating budget and five‑year capital improvement program, continuing construction on prioritized infrastructure projects and formalizing two economic programs: an air service incentive/capacity improvements program and an affordable housing gap finance incentive program.
The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency on Sept. 30 adopted its fiscal year 2026 operating budget and five‑year capital improvement program and voted to authorize transfers to the city and county consistent with previously ratified actions. The board approved staff recommendations unanimously after staff summarized project progress and new program allocations.
Staff told the board the balanced 2026 budget continues momentum on infrastructure and economic development projects and preserves current staffing. The proposed budget earmarks roughly $97.43 million for the infrastructure program in fiscal 2026, and the five‑year CIP includes approximately $148.89 million for continued implementation, leveraging additional state Department of Transportation funds for regional road improvements.
The IA board also established two economic development programs the board previously directed staff to create: an Air Service Incentive and Capacity Improvements program and an Affordable Housing Gap Finance Incentive program. At the May workshop the board directed an initial allocation of $670,000 to the air service program and an annual allocation of $670,000 thereafter; staff told the board these funds build on prior investments and support airport‑adjacent development and air‑service capacity. For affordable housing, the board earlier approved a $250,000 allocation in FY25 and agreed to an annual allocation of $250,000 over the surtax life (staff documented a total commitment of $3.75 million over the full term). In public comment, Brian Stringer — executive director of Capital Area Justice Ministry — thanked the board for the affordable housing direction and urged protecting affordability for very low and extremely low‑income households.
Commissioners praised staff for attaining awards and for moving many projects into construction; staff said 17 projects will be under construction in FY26 and highlighted investments including regional mobility and gateway projects, several neighborhood parks, and a new single‑track mountain bike trail. After brief comments from directors, the board voted in support of the operating budget, CIP and the transfers. The vote was unanimous.
