Phoenix council adopts final 2026–27 operating, capital and reappropriated budgets

The Phoenix City Council adopted the city’s final 2026–27 operating, capital and reappropriated funds budgets after a public hearing and motions to convene a special meeting to consider the budget.

Council members voted unanimously to approve the operating funds ordinance (S-52969), the capital funds ordinance (S-53015) and a reappropriated funds ordinance (S-52970). Council discussion before the votes focused on long-term spending trends and the share of the budget dedicated to public safety.

Councilman Waring asked staff to confirm a chart showing that inflation-adjusted per-capita spending has declined since the 2008 high-water mark, from about $1,268 then to roughly $1,222 in the proposed 2026–27 operating budget. Staff confirmed the math and attributed changes to efficiencies and shifts in staffing across departments. Council members noted that while per-capita spending fell, the portion of the general fund allocated to public safety has risen, citing expansions in the Fire Department and higher pension costs for police and fire.

Mayor Kate Gallego and the vice mayor described the budget as the product of months of hearings and stakeholder engagement. The council recessed into a special meeting, took the roll-call votes that approved the three budget ordinances and then adjourned the special meeting to resume the regular council session.

The council indicated the adoption was the final vote in a three-stage process and said the city will return to council in July for a property-tax–related vote noted on the calendar.

The budget adoption concludes the council’s formal actions on the 2026–27 financial plan; staff will proceed to implement appropriations and continue reporting as required.