Committee recommends 2026 budget; amendment to add $100,000 for natural‑resource/urban‑forest follow‑up fails 3–3

The Community Development Committee recommended the proposed 2026 operating budget, the 2026–2030 capital improvements program and the maintenance program to the Committee of the Whole after extended discussion about program priorities and a last‑minute amendment.

City budget staff presented the proposed citywide budget and department allocations. Staff said the proposed citywide budget totals about $498.6 million, with a general fund of roughly $354.1 million. Community Development’s recommended budget—covering parks, planning, golf and soccer enterprise funds and other cost centers—was presented at about $39.6 million, an increase of roughly 4.1 percent over 2025. Budget presenters highlighted personnel cost increases and several line‑item changes such as added funding for Arboretum utilities, golf‑course maintenance and a new arts and events cost center.

Committee members debated a proposed amendment to add $100,000 to the 2026 budget to fund initial implementation activities for two forthcoming plans: the city’s natural‑resource management plan (part of Playbook OP) and an urban‑forest plan. Supporters argued the city should ‘‘hit the ground running’’ when the plans are completed and cited examples such as invasive‑species work, pilot projects and other early actions that contractors could begin if funds were available at the start of the fiscal year. Opponents said they were uncomfortable committing funds before the plan recommendations are complete and urged that any additional spending be offset by cuts elsewhere or be discussed as part of the normal budget process. Several members said the larger policy and funding questions the plans will raise likely will require multi‑year funding and broader council discussion.

The amendment was moved, seconded and failed on a recorded 3–3 tie in committee. The committee then voted to recommend the proposed budget, CIP and maintenance program as presented.

Ending: Staff said it would return to the Committee of the Whole with department budgets and that, if the committee later decides to program additional funds for plan implementation, staff will identify potential revenue sources or offsets for discussion at that meeting.