Glendale Adopts Balanced Budget Despite Economic Challenges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2025

City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations Email: [email protected] Phone: (818) 548-3342

Glendale Adopts Balanced Budget Despite Economic Challenges

Glendale, CA - On Tuesday, June 24, the Glendale City Council adopted a balanced budget for FY 2025-26, overcoming significant financial headwinds with a commitment to long-term financial stability and service preservation.

The City faced an initial projected General Fund deficit of $34 million, driven primarily by lower-than-projected sales tax revenues and increased fixed costs. Through a citywide effort involving every department, cost-saving measures were implemented to close the majority of the gap. These included operational reductions, delays to select capital improvement projects, and a citywide hiring freeze that pauses recruitment for non-critical vacant positions.

Despite these efforts, a $4 million shortfall remained and was ultimately resolved through a transfer from the City's general fund reserves, bringing the General Fund Budget to $352.5 million. This budget allows Glendale to maintain a balanced budget while preserving essential services. The overall budget also reflects a $12.3 million deferral in Capital Improvements Projects for the FY 2025-26 fiscal year, a 37% reduction from the year prior.

To ensure transparency and public involvement, the City hosted four public budget study sessions, all of which are available for viewing on the City's website. These sessions provided residents with insight into the City's fiscal priorities, challenges, and the trade-offs considered in the budgeting process.

While the City recognizes that every service and program relies on dedicated personnel to operate effectively, our current fiscal constraints require departments to carefully reevaluate how those services are delivered and sustained. In the near term, limited resources mean we must prioritize essential functions and explore alternative approaches to maintain service levels. Central to our mission is the continued delivery of critical public health, safety, and welfare services-including police, fire, and emergency 911 response-alongside the maintenance of vital infrastructure that supports the well-being and daily life of our community.

Looking ahead, the City is committed to accountability and disclosure of all future spending while identifying new, stable revenue opportunities to support long-term financial health and protect core services for the community. Additional engagement opportunities will be provided in the months ahead as part of the City's efforts to align fiscal planning with community priorities and values.

The adopted FY 2025-26 budget underscores Glendale's commitment to responsible governance, service continuity, and strategic investment, even in the face of economic uncertainty.

For more information or to review the adopted budget, please visit GlendaleCA.gov/Budget.

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About Glendale

Known as the "Jewel City," Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.