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Council reviews 2026 budget priorities; staff flags developer-funded projects and higher pavement spending
Summary
City staff presented the 2026 budget overview, highlighting developer-funded Havana realignment and Shea residential work, and proposed a bump in pavement management funding to about $4 million next year. Council members pressed for more urgency on economic development and staffing to support growth.
City staff used the study session to walk council through capital and program priorities for 2026, signaling a heavier pavement-management spending plan and multiple developer-funded infrastructure projects. Mr. Penny, the staff presenter, said the pavement program will increase "to $4,000,000 based upon our asset management program" and that more detailed budget materials will return in October for formal council consideration.
Council discussion centered on whether the city has the staffing and urgency to pursue commercial recruitment and to capitalize on developer activity. One council member expressed frustration about delays in economic development work, saying it remains "the number 1 issue I hear every single day" and urging the council to consider a permanent liaison or dedicated staff to drive deals. Staff emphasized that many large projects require council approval in 2026 and that the timeline for implementation will guide contract and staffing decisions.
