Mayor Dickens Proposes $994.7 Million FY2027 Budget, Continuing Investment in Neighborhoods, Public Safety, Housing, and Atlanta’s Youth

Mayor's Office of Communications

Mayor Dickens Proposes $994.7 Million FY2027 Budget, Continuing Investment in Neighborhoods, Public Safety, Housing, and Atlanta's Youth

FY2027 General Fund Budget represents a 2% increase over FY2026 Adopted Budget, reflecting the Mayor's north star: making Atlanta the best major city in the country to raise a child.

ATLANTA- Mayor Andre Dickens today presented the City of Atlanta's Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, a $994.7 million General Fund spending plan that builds on four years of progress and sustains the City's commitment to neighborhoods, families, and the systems that shape daily life across Atlanta.

The proposed budget represents a 2% increase from the FY2026 Adopted Budget of $975.4 million, reflecting rising retirement contributions and healthcare costs while continuing to invest in the priorities Atlantans care about most.

"Atlanta is a group project. That has always been true, and it is especially true now as we build on the progress of the last four years and look ahead to the work still before us. Our north star remains clear: making Atlanta the best major city in the country to raise a child," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "Every dollar in this budget is used with care, purpose, and accountability - building on the foundation we've laid together to keep our momentum going for safe communities, strong families, thriving neighborhoods, and opportunity for all."

Key Budget Priorities

The FY2027 Proposed Budget sustains and advances five areas of investment that define the administration's commitment to Atlanta residents:

Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative: The budget supports the continued build-out of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, directing public and private investment toward housing, infrastructure, transit, community amenities, and economic opportunity in historically underserved communities. The City Council-established Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative Commission continues its work, and this budget funds the planning, coordination, and long-term framework needed to implement the initiative responsibly.

Affordable Housing: Atlanta remains on track to build or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030. More than 13,000 units have already been built or are in process. This budget supports the partnerships and financing tools needed to expand access, protect affordability, and meet the needs of families across the city.

Public Safety: The budget continues investment in the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Rescue, and E911 - including new vehicles, equipment upgrades, training programs, and competitive compensation for first responders. Atlanta has achieved double-digit reductions in violent crime over several years through its One Safe City strategy, and this budget includes technology upgrades to support faster response times, building on the success of the Public Safety Training Center.

Youth Engagement: Atlanta's young people remain a top priority, with continued support for Year of the Youth initiatives, At-Promise Centers, the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (which employed nearly 6,000 young Atlantans last summer), and Midnight Basketball, now in its 10th season since 2022. These programs create safe spaces and prepare young Atlantans for success in school, work, and life.

Infrastructure: Strategic investments in roads, bridges, traffic systems, parks, public facilities, water systems, and stormwater infrastructure will strengthen Atlanta as a City Built for the Future. With the Atlanta Regional Commission projecting regional growth of approximately 2.5 million people by 2050, this budget ensures the City is building the infrastructure capacity to meet that growth and support quality of life in every neighborhood.

Financial Stewardship

The budget was developed with input from City Council, the Department of Finance, and leaders and employees across the administration. Chief Financial Officer Mohamed Balla and the Department of Finance played a central role in shaping the proposal and ensuring it reflects both fiscal responsibility and the City's long-term commitments.

The City's financial discipline continues to earn national recognition. Fitch Ratings affirmed Atlanta's AAA General Obligation credit rating. Standard & Poor's upgraded the Department of Watershed Management's senior-lien bonds to AA from AA-. Fitch also upgraded Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to AA from AA-, citing its strong market position, competitive cost structure, and solid financial metrics.

"These credit ratings are not just designations - they are a reflection of the disciplined, strategic approach we bring to every budget decision. We have made targeted adjustments to keep Atlanta on strong financial footing while protecting the services our residents depend on, and that track record is one we intend to build on," said Mohamed Balla, City of AtlantaChief Financial Officer.

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