Preliminary Budget Presented to City Council for Fiscal Year 2026-27

San Rafael's proposed budget for the coming fiscal year was presented to the City Council at the May 18 meeting - a $209.6 million spending plan that funds day-to-day City services, staffing, and major infrastructure investments across the community.

The budget is both a financial plan and the legal authority for City departments to spend public resources. It's how programs get funded, roads get repaired, and community needs get met. This year's proposed budget is aligned with the City Council's updated goals and objectives and existing fiscal policies.

The numbers at a glance:

• $209.6 million in total proposed spending, which covering daily City operations, capital projects, and transfers between funds

• $113.7 million from the General Fund, which pays for most core City services. The budget closes a projected $1.0 million shortfall through a combination of budget adjustments and one-time fund balance use.

• $19.4 million for capital projects - roads, facilities, and infrastructure improvements across the City

• 419.55 City employees (full-time equivalent), up slightly from last year due to expanded staffing in the Childcare Program

• The City's rainy-day reserve stays intact at $17.4 million - 15% of the General Fund, as required by City policy

The final budget is scheduled for City Council consideration and adoption on June 15, 2026. Learn more by reading the staff report presented at the May 18 City Council meeting.