Mayor Carney Signs FY ‘27 Budget

WILMINGTON - Mayor John Carney on Friday signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget [us.list-manage.com], solidifying major investments in housing, public safety, economic development, and community vibrancy for the upcoming year.

"Weeks away from the nation's 250th anniversary, we are reminded of our obligation to bring our city closer to the aspirations of our founding," said Mayor Carney. "This budget underscores the City's commitment to making investments in the issues that matter to residents, while remaining laser focused on responsibly managing taxpayer dollars."

Overview

• FY 2027 General Fund Budget total: $213,532,018

• Water and sewer fund total: $98,987,989

• No increase to property taxes and limits increases in water and sewer funds to 7%

Public Safety

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

• 12 new personnel to support EMS operations managed by the Wilmington Fire Department

• $450,000 for the Community Public Safety Initiative (CPSI)

Housing

• One time infusion of more than $13 million for Affordable Housing

• $8.4 million to provide direct subsidize for affordable rental and homeownership units

• $500,000 to the Land Bank

• $500,000 to the Home Repair Program

• $2,000,000 for the vacant lot site readiness

• $200,000 for architectural and engineering

• $1.5 million to fund a Housing Support Community Block Grant to help non-profits provide emergency support to Wilmingtonians to include eviction prevention, counseling, and rental assistance

Economy

• Creation of an Economic Development Roundtable

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

• $1 million dollars set aside for the Small and Minority Business Development Program - the largest infusion of funds since program inception; strengthening the program through legislative solutions, updating the contract review board, and updating current procurement thresholds

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

The budget will officially go into effect at the start of the new fiscal year, July 1, 2026.