Greensboro’s FY 2026-27 Budget Invests in Core Services, Public Safety, and Future Growth

The Greensboro City Council has adopted the City's Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget as of June 16, which takes effect July 1, 2026. The adopted budget includes a total City property tax rate of 79.85 cents, representing a 12.6-cent adjustment on current property values to address rising service costs and sustain the essential services residents rely on every day.

The tax rate will be applied to current property values rather than the recent Guilford County revaluation values due to the passage of Senate Bill 889.

For clarity, Senate Bill 889 placed a one-year moratorium on Guilford County's property revaluation process, not on local property tax rates.

Traditionally, the City posts the budget 30 days after adoption. This allows our Budget & Evaluation department time to update the large document so it reflects all of the items in the final budget adopted by Council.

The adopted budget reflects Greensboro's commitment to maintaining high-quality services, meeting the demands of a growing community, and investing responsibly in the city's future. Revenue generated through the tax will support critical service areas including public safety, parks and recreation, solid waste and recycling, infrastructure, and water quality.

"This budget is about protecting the services residents count on while ensuring Greensboro remains positioned for continued growth and success," said City Manager Nathaniel "Trey" Davis. "We recognize that any tax increase affects families and businesses, and we approached this budget with a strong focus on accountability, efficiency, and long-term value for our community."

Budget Highlights:

• The budget provides funding for 30 police officer positions, expanded Behavioral Health Response Team coverage, and continued investment in technology, communications systems, and equipment that help first responders serve the community effectively and safely.
• In direct response to resident feedback, the budget restores operating hours at City lakes and recreation centers, ensuring greater access to recreational, educational, and wellness opportunities across Greensboro.
• This budget includes the first operating costs for the Windsor Chavis Nocho project.
• The budget addresses increasing costs associated with solid waste collection and recycling while maintaining reliable service levels for residents. These services remain among the most visible and frequently used functions provided by the City.
• As Greensboro continues to grow, infrastructure investments remain a significant priority. The budget supports ongoing maintenance and improvements to roads, facilities, utilities, and other critical public assets. These investments come at a time when construction costs continue to climb, with asphalt prices increasing approximately 38 percent and stone materials rising approximately 66 percent over the past six years.
• The budget continues Greensboro's investment in delivering safe, high-quality drinking water and meeting increasingly complex regulatory requirements. Water treatment chemical costs alone have increased approximately 50 percent over the last four years. To support these needs, the budget includes an 11.4 percent water utility rate increase while still maintaining one of the lowest water rate structures in North Carolina.
• At the same time, the City has worked to reduce operational costs wherever possible. Efforts have included negotiating multi-year contracts to secure more favorable pricing, streamlining operations, implementing cost-saving measures, and identifying efficiencies across departments.

"The reality is that the cost of providing services has increased significantly," Davis said. "This budget allows us to maintain the services residents expect, invest in our community's future, and continue moving Greensboro forward in a responsible and sustainable way."

For more information, visit the City's Budget and Evaluation webpage at www.greensboro-nc.gov/Budget.