Las Vegas adopts fiscal 2026 city and redevelopment agency budgets; council authorizes bond authority

The Las Vegas City Council and Redevelopment Agency on May 21 approved final budgets for fiscal year 2026, authorizing the redevelopment agency’s budget and the city’s general fund and five‑year capital improvement plan and granting authority to seek bond proceeds for planned projects.

City Manager Mike Janssen said the city remains "fiscally sound," noting the council has preserved its double‑A bond rating by maintaining a 20% general fund reserve while aiming for a preferred 25% level. "Public safety remains the number 1 priority," Janssen said, and the adopted plan funds two firefighter academies, each with about 45 recruits.

The budgets tighten revenue estimates and prioritize capital work. Chief Financial Officer Susan Helsley said the city revised down a one‑time consolidated tax recognition in FY 2025 and now estimates consolidated tax (C‑tax) receipts for FY 2026 at about $424.3 million. Helsley told the council staff is requesting authority to issue up to $90 million in C‑tax bond capacity (an increase from a previously contemplated $70 million request) "to keep our fund balance at 20%" and preserve the city’s credit position.

Why it matters: the city’s FY 2026 plan balances limited revenue growth, higher retirement (PERS) costs and the ongoing Badlands settlement payments against a large capital program…