Mayor John Whitmire Announces Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Mayor John Whitmire Announces Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Budget plan is next step following years of belt-tightening, implementing efficiencies, and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse

Mayor Whitmire was joined by city council members, department directors and community leaders at the budget announcement.

May 5, 2026 -- Today, Mayor John Whitmire released the FY 2027 Proposed Budget that builds on his administration's progress and prioritizes creating a stronger, more stable financial future for the City of Houston. The proposal protects vital services including public safety, parks and libraries, neighborhood services and the municipal court system.

The transformational budget plan does not include a property tax increase or expand government programs, nor does it defer infrastructure obligations or rely on one-time transfers or gimmicks.

"Houston is at a turning point. Our city continues to grow rapidly, and the cost of delivering essential services, from public safety to infrastructure, has risen alongside it. At the same time, local and state-imposed property tax caps have significantly limited the City's ability to keep up with these demands," Mayor Whitmire said.

"Under my administration, we have tightened our belt, improved efficiency, and reduced year-over-year spending for the first time in decades. But efficiency alone is no longer enough. This year's budget introduces a modern, sustainable approach to funding core services, protecting the programs that Houstonians rely on without raising property taxes. This budget represents the next step towards ensuring Houston remains strong, reliable and ready for the future," said Mayor Whitmire.

The budget plan includes:

• Designating the Solid Waste Municipal Department as a Municipal Utility
• Implementing a $5 per month administrative user fee to align with the actual cost of service and to support long term fleet, staff and reliability

Right-of-Way Rental Fee through the Combined Utility System:

• Implements a fee on water and wastewater utilities for use of public right-of-way, similar to a franchise fee
• The ROW fee benefits help preserve public safety, libraries, parks, municipal courts and multi-service centers

The changes move the city closer to a structurally balanced budget that:

• Supports transformational public works and consent decrees
• Reduces pressure for layoffs and service cuts
• Both are standard practice in major cities, align costs with service and support a structural budget balance

"Efficiency Alone Cannot Close the Fiscal Gap," - Mayor John Whitmire

"Everything I'm talking about is just the beginning, and it's going to get better in future years. This budget plan represents financial security for the city of Houston, and it's the health of the city's finances. We are not kicking the can down the road in my administration," said Mayor Whitmire.

Budget Priorities/Key Investments include:

• All services preserved
• No layoffs
• $12M in efficiency savings achieved without service reductions
• Five police and 11 fire cadet classes
• $31M added to the drainage fund from the general fund
• The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2026.

For more information visit houstontx.gov/budgetproposal.

Click the link above to watch Mayor Whitmire's budget announcement.