Mayor Simmons Presents Proposed 2025-2026 Stamford Budget

Information via City of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — On Wednesday night Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons presented the city's 2025-2026 capital and operating budgets. In total, the city and Board of Education expense budget and reserve for contingency is $714.2 million.

In a news release from the city, Simmons' office says the budget priorities include "delivering a fiscally responsible budget that minimizes the tax burden on Stamford residents while also investing in critical services and infrastructure projects to enhance quality of life."

The proposed capital budget of $72.4 million focuses on investments into public safety, schools, parks and sustainability, roads, sidewalks, pedestrian safety, housing and new community initiatives, the city said.

Proposed investments include:

• Allocating $15 million into the school construction Fund 57, by reserving $5 million and designating $10 million from the city’s surplus.
• Funding for 13 additional police officers to bring the Stamford Police Department to optimal staffing levels.
• $4 million in capital investments for school safety and security upgrades, district-wide facility equipment and technology, enhancements at AITE High School and Davenport Ridge Elementary School, and renovations to athletic fields across the district.
• $7 million authorized for road paving this year, maintaining the accelerated pace that has already surpassed the original paving goal of 200 roads by the end of 2025.
• $6.4 million for park improvements, including new tennis courts at Scalzi Park, upgrades at Cummings Park, all-season accessible bathrooms, renovations to baseball and softball infields, playground upgrades at Nemoitin Park at Hart School, and enhancements at Northrop Park.

"This budget upholds my administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring high-quality and reliable city services for Stamford residents," Simmons said in a news release. "By managing costs and prioritizing investments in public safety, education, and infrastructure, we are strengthening our city’s foundation for long-term growth while addressing current needs that enhance quality of life. I look forward to working with the Boards throughout this budget season to ensure we have a responsible budget that supports and invests in all Stamford residents."

More information on the FY25-26 City of Stamford budget can be found here.