The Grand Rapids City Commission is unanimously approving a $735 million budget for fiscal year 2026. The budget advances a plan to maintain essential services, sustain transformational projects and invest in community priorities.
The budget was initially proposed by City Manager Mark Washington in late April. The plan includes a 6.5% increase over the fiscal year 2025 budget. The general operating fund will contain $196 million which includes a 5.2% increase due to inflation and previously negotiated wage and benefit adjustments.
"This adopted budget positions Grand Rapids to deliver on our values -- accountability, collaboration, customer service, equity, innovation, and sustainability -- while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead," said Mayor David LaGrand. "It ensures continued service to residents while advancing the city's long-term vision, shaped by today's economic landscape."
The budget includes key investments:
- $189 million in capital investments, part of a five-year, $582 million projection -- which funds projects such as Vital Streets, parks and trail improvements and facility modernization, including upgrades to alternative fuel infrastructure.
- 22 new staff positions to enhance service delivery and responsiveness including communications, dispatch, police, street lighting, building inspections, environmental services, parking, parks and recreation and refuse and refuse and water.
- Expanded public safety resources, including funding for fire service facilities, four additional 911 dispatchers, resources to comply with new firearm background check mandates, an extra police academy class and a new fire inspector.
- Increased staffing for water system operations and street lighting infrastructure, supporting production, testing and compliance in water and two new street lighting electricians.
- Investments in economic development and inclusion, with expanded funding the West Michigan Welcome Plan and Grand Rapids Sister Cities International.
- Sustained support for planning and policy, including the continued implementation of the Community Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance update.
Since early in the planning process, the parks funding was adjusted to account for an anticipated difference in final federal awards and reprogramming of funds.
Washington says the city is preparing responsibly for future fiscal obligations while maintaining city operations and service levels and continuing economic momentum.
"While we are confident in our city's resilience, we remain mindful of broader pressures like inflation, labor costs and shifting state and federal funding," Washington says. "This budget reflects prudent planning and a commitment to serving our community's needs now and in the future."