East Orange Hammers Out Proposed City Budget (See Tax Impact)

EAST ORANGE, NJ — City officials in East Orange continue to hammer out a proposed municipal budget – which doesn’t include a tax increase, according to the mayor’s office.

The East Orange City Council has started deliberations on the fiscal year 2026 budget, which was introduced by Mayor Ted Green during last week’s council meeting.

Property taxes in New Jersey are mainly made up of three parts: school, municipal and county. Last year, the average residential property tax in East Orange came to $10,298 for a home assessed at $327,903.

>> Read More: Essex County Towns Ranked By Property Taxes (See Updated List)

Green said the proposed spending plan would come without a tax increase for the municipal portion of a homeowner’s taxes.

“When I asked my leadership team to help develop this budget, I gave them one directive: create a plan that protects the quality of life of our residents without placing undue financial strain on taxpayers,” Green stated.

“This budget does just that,” the mayor added.

The mayor’s office released the following details about this year’s proposed city budget:

DEVELOPMENT – “East Orange’s renaissance is well underway with redevelopment at an all-time high and over 2,000 residential units currently in the development pipeline. Notably, 22% of all new housing is designated as affordable, reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusive growth. Infrastructure remains a top priority in the FY 2026 proposal, with more than $100 million in upgrades allocated toward parks, streets, and water systems. Landmark projects like the newly opened public parking garage at Brick Church Plaza are laying the foundation for the $500 million Brick Church Station redevelopment set to open its first phase in late 2025.”

PUBLIC SAFETY – “Public safety is the backbone of any thriving city,” Green said. “Our police officers have reduced violent crime by 33% since 2018, and we are continuing to invest in strategies that make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”

FINANCE – “For the fifth consecutive year, the city has maintained an A+ credit rating—a testament to sound fiscal management and responsible budgeting. The FY 2026 budget proposal introduces no municipal tax increase, slightly offsetting increases from county and school district obligations.”

According to city officials, the proposed budget also includes:

• Second-phase renovations at Columbian and Oval Parks, including walking paths, a new multi-purpose field, basketball courts, and a rain garden.
• A future, state-of-the-art recreation Center.
• Full renovations of three firehouses and a new East Orange Fire Department headquarters to meet the evolving needs of the city’s first responders.
• A $2 million modernization of the East Orange Public Library, including high-speed internet, co-working space, and upgraded infrastructure.
• The formation of a Homelessness Prevention and Response Team and partnerships across multiple agencies to provide wraparound services for unhoused residents.
• An increase in down payment assistance from $25,000 up to $100,000 via our First-Time Homebuyers Program.

The city held a budget hearing on Wednesday. Additional public hearings are scheduled for May 21 and May 28 starting at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 44 City Hall Plaza.

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