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Atlanta projects property‑tax growth and modest FIFA windfall while cautioning on economic risks
Summary
Finance staff told council that property tax will remain the largest revenue source for the FY26 proposal (about 40% of core revenues), cited a conservative $4.1 million FIFA-related boost, and warned that tariffs, national recession risk and tourism declines could constrain collections.
Lawrence Davis Jr., revenue chief for the City of Atlanta, told the council that four core revenue categories — property tax, local option sales tax, public utilities/beer & wine/other taxes, and licenses and permits — account for roughly 85% of the FY26 proposed budget. “Starting with our largest revenue contributor to the proposed FY 26 budget at 40% is property tax,” Davis said.
City staff said taxable assessed values rose from about $35.0 billion in 2021 to $47.8 billion in 2025 (digest data presented by staff), and the FY26 proposal includes a projected property‑tax increase of roughly $72,970,000 driven by growth in values and a proposed operating levy change that incorporates recently enacted defeasance steps.
Officials also flagged event‑driven revenue assumptions. CFO Mohammed Balam told council the city conservatively estimates about $4,100,000 of FY26 revenue tied to hosting FIFA World Cup matches; staff noted that FIFA will not finalize match draws until December, which limits visibility on precise visitor volumes and associated spending.
Council members asked staff for follow‑up detail on nonrecurring FY25 revenues, intra‑fund transfers, and whether property‑value trends could reverse if a downturn materializes. Finance staff said they would provide itemized tables and noted that the city’s budget timing (the digest is set at the calendar year beginning) provides earlier visibility on the property‑tax base than some other revenues.
Staff identified two revenue categories expected to show small decreases in FY26: building rentals/concessions (driven by reduced Fulton County inmate housing revenue) and pilot and franchise fees (a modest decline tied to one WaterShare line item).
