Bridgeport Budget Proposal Would Lower Mill Rate And Boost Schools, Libraries, Mayor Says

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim on Monday transmitted his proposed fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget to the City Council, a plan that would reduce the city’s mill rate from 43.45 to 27.75 and increase spending on schools, libraries, senior services and election administration.

According to the mayor’s office, the proposal is driven by 62.5 percent growth in the Grand List to $13 billion. The administration said the lower mill rate is intended to offset the effect of property revaluation and provide long-term stability for homeowners and businesses. The proposal also would lower the motor vehicle mill rate from 32.46 to 27.75.

Specific budget spending numbers were not immediately available.

"This budget is a gamechanger for Bridgeport," Ganim said. "Our city’s growth has outpaced most of Connecticut, signaling a high level of investment and confidence in our future. This budget not only proposes the lowest mill rate in decades but makes the largest investment ever in our schools and libraries, expands senior and veteran tax relief, gives residents free access to our parks, and funds the expansion of supervised balloting. I look forward to working with the City Council on final approval of these proposals."

The proposal includes a $10 million increase in local education spending over two years, with $5 million taking effect in this budget cycle, according to the mayor’s office. It also includes a $2.3 million increase for the Bridgeport Public Libraries and a $250 per household increase to the Senior and Veteran Tax Relief Program.

Under the proposal, park stickers would be free for Bridgeport residents with proof of valid Bridgeport auto registration. The budget also would provide the registrars of voters with additional resources to expand supervised balloting in senior and disabled housing complexes beginning in the upcoming election cycle.

In a joint statement, Council President Herron and Budget Co-Chairs Ernest Newton and Richard Ortiz said, “We look forward to passing this year's budget, as we work collaboratively with the Mayor to keep taxes affordable for residents while making historic investments in our schools, senior and veteran tax relief, libraries, and more. We are also pleased to see the Mayor advance a proposal discussed by the Council for many years to grant Bridgeport residents free access to our parks.”

The City Council is set to begin its review of the proposed budget through Budget and Appropriations Committee meetings and public hearings. A final vote is expected later this spring.