Modesto council accepts mayor’s budget message, details Measure H spending priorities
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Summary
The Modesto City Council unanimously accepted Mayor Zwolan’s budget message for FY 2026–27, outlining Measure H allocations for parks, public safety and housing programs including $7.8 million for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and a $1 million parks preventative-maintenance fund.
Modesto City Council on Feb. 24 accepted the mayor’s budget message for fiscal year 2026–27, setting priorities for Measure H spending that the mayor said will support parks, public safety and housing initiatives.
Mayor Zwolan read the message under Modesto City Charter section 13.02.1 and listed specific Measure H highlights, saying the approved spending plan includes $7,800,000 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, $1,000,000 for parks preventative maintenance, $761,000 for Cesar E. Chavez Park, and purchases for public-safety equipment including a $400,000 armored vehicle and $155,000 for fire radio maintenance. "Measure H represents a significant investment in Modesto's future," the mayor said in the council chamber.
Vice Mayor Williams moved to accept the budget message; Council member Ricky seconded. The council recorded unanimous "aye" votes and the measure was accepted.
Why it matters: Council members said the message frames the city’s priorities for the coming budget year and links current spending to ongoing strategic-plan goals. Council member Scudia Brayton described the message as "very thoughtful" and forward-looking, and other members noted Measure H-funded efforts already underway, including the HopeWorks transitional employment project.
What’s next: Acceptance of the mayor’s budget message starts the formal budget-cycle work for FY 2026–27. City staff will continue to develop and present detailed budget proposals and spending plans for council review in subsequent budget hearings.
