Mayor Wanda R. D. Williams on Monday introduced the City of Harrisburg's proposed 2026 general fund budget as a "balanced budget with no tax increase," and set out a package of operational and capital priorities the administration says protect services without raising residents' taxes.

The proposal, which begins the council's formal review, credits expanded in‑house work for recent savings: the administration said it paved 101 streets this year — the highest total in more than a decade — and completed roughly half of about 30 demolition projects using city crews. "This is a balanced budget with no tax increase," Williams said, framing the plan as the product of fiscal discipline amid rising insurance, fuel and inflationary pressures.

Why it matters: the administration tied the budget to direct services and relief. Officials said the city recovered about $1.4 million in delinquent trash bills and secured nearly $2 million in trash‑fee forgiveness for qualifying residents, moves the mayor said provide meaningful relief for households. The proposal also includes $7.75 million committed to affordable housing and more than $700,000 for senior home repair, roof replacements and accessibility upgrades through the city’s building and housing rehabilitation program.

Public safety and workforce investments also feature in the plan. Williams noted hiring seven new firefighters and three new police officers this year, plus several internal promotions. She told council members the fire bureau enters the year with a contract that honors its work and described the police bureau as still understaffed, while praising the professionalism of public safety personnel.

The administration said it used a mix of funding sources where available: nearly $1 million of ARPA Home funds completed 38 homes this year, while roughly $300,000 was directed toward inspections, testing, advertising and lead‑program training. The mayor also said the city is pursuing savings by bringing more work in‑house and by renewing regional trash contracts with Pembroke, Paxton and Stilton Burrows.

Next steps: Vice President Green, chair of the budget and finance committee, announced a schedule of budget hearings: Dec. 2–4 (each at 5:30 p.m.) and Dec. 8 (6:30 p.m.), with a potential final vote at the legislative session on Dec. 15. Williams said staff will provide documentation and answers during the coming weeks and asked council to approach the review with "clarity and honesty."