Mayor Carney Delivers Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Address

WILMINGTON - This evening, Mayor Carney delivered the Fiscal Year 2027 budget address to a convening of the 109th Session of Wilmington City Council.

The mayor outlined a series of budget investments and legislative goals intended to build on major progress underway in public safety, housing, community vibrancy, and economic growth.

Held in Old Town Hall, the address paid tribute to Wilmington history and the spirit of 1776 in celebration of the semi-quincentennial.

"As we approach the 250th anniversary of America's founding, I'm reminded that the work we're charged to do is built on a bold experiment established by our founders," said Mayor Carney. "The budget that I present tonight attempts to move us closer to a city where everyone has access to freedom and opportunity. Budget realities challenge us to be both principled and clear-sighted. We have to control our own spending, as we work to meet the needs of all our residents, and this budget aims to strike that balance."

Budget Address Highlights and Announcements

Overview

• The proposed FY 2027 General Fund Budget is $212,616,177

• The water and sewer fund is $100,294,669

• The budget includes no increase in property taxes and limits increases in water and sewer funds to 9.95%

Public Safety

• Creation of a Director of Community Safety position to lead the new Office of Community Safety

• 12 new personnel for the EMS team managed by the Wilmington Fire Department

• Stationing mobile showers at the unhoused community site at Christina Park and partnering with WHA and the Ministry of Caring to open an additional dining hall

Housing

• One time infusion of $20 million to create an Affordable Housing Fund

• $2 million dedicated to transform vacant lots into accessory dwelling units and other productive spaces

• $200,000 for predevelopment work

• Over $16 million allocated to incentivize the development of affordable housing

• $500,000 for the Landbank to continue redeveloping vacant homes

• $500,000 to continue the Home Repair Lottery

Education, Arts, and Community

• Expanded opportunities for family fun in celebration of the 250th

• Continued investment in revamping City parks

• Growing last summer's tutoring program to increase participation

Economy

• Creation of an Economic Development Roundtable

• Support for the Bracebridge project downtown

• Adding $4 million to the strategic fund to attract more jobs and private investment

• $1 million dollars set aside for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program - the largest infusion of funds since program inception

• Strengthening the DBE program through legislative solutions, updating the contract review board, and updating current procurement thresholds.

The complete address as prepared for delivery and a budget summary prepared by the Office of Management and Budget are available at wilmingtonde.gov/budget [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com].

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