City of Charlotte Proposed FY 2026 Budget
Date postedMay 7, 2025
The City of Charlotte has released its Proposed FY 2026 Budget. The budget is focused mainly on maintaining essential services, expanding public safety infrastructure, and advancing affordability. There is no property tax increase in this proposed budget. The total proposed budget is $3.65 billion, including a $943.5 million General Fund, representing a 5.2% increase.
Here are some key points in the budget:
Affordable Housing & Housing Stability Investments
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$100 million in voter-approved 2024 Housing Bonds to increase affordable housing production.
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Over $1.8 million in additional support for urgent home repairs, affordable housing placement, and preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH).
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Continued investment in violence prevention initiatives and community stabilization efforts like Project BOOST and the Alternatives to Violence program.
Public Safety & Community Infrastructure
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$25.6 million for fire department expansion, including five new/replacement firehouses and enhanced training facilities.
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$2 million for FY 2026 to expand the 911 call center and Police & Fire Training Academy (part of a $9 million multi-year effort).
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Launch of a new $11 million radio replacement program for public safety communication infrastructure.
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Adds 15 more hybrid, take-home vehicles for police.
Economic Development & Youth Opportunities
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Establishes a new Office of Youth Opportunities to support economic development for youth aged 13–24.
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Nearly $2 million for small business growth, targeting mobility industries and continuation of programs like NXT|CLT and Amp Up.
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$1 million to launch a Community Benefits Fund aligned with the city’s 14 Community Area Plans.
Solid Waste & Utility Fee Changes
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Begins a phased approach to improve cost recovery for Solid Waste Services:
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Residential curbside fee increases by $1.35/month.
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Residential dumpster fee increases by $0.49/month.
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Additional utility service fee increases:
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Storm Water Services: $0.67/month typical increase.
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Water and Sewer: $5.47/month typical increase.
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City Workforce & Retention Measures
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Raises minimum city employee pay to $24/hour.
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Implements pay increases and merit pools across all employee categories, with special incentives for public safety personnel.
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Expands workforce development initiatives including Education to Employment, CPCC tuition assistance, and employee rental assistance programs.
Sustainability Commitments
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$2.5 million allocated to install sustainable infrastructure at city-owned facilities.
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Adds 45 electric vehicles and 155 hybrids to the city’s fleet, including electric buses at the airport.
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Continues advancing Strategic Energy Action Plan goals for emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
Budget Timeline & Next Steps
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May 12 – Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget
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May 19 – Council Budget Adjustments
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May 29 – Council Straw Votes
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June 9 – Council Budget Adoption Vote
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July 1, 2025 – FY 2026 Budget takes effect
For more information, read the City of Charlotte’s official press release on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget