City of Dallas Shares Update on FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 Biennial Budget

The City of Dallas is sharing an update on its Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 biennial budget. Here's what City Council learned during a recent briefing and what is means for the future.

The city summarized the details of the update in a Wednesday press release. According to the release, the briefing prepared for City Council highlights projected year-end variances, current economic pressures, and upcoming steps in the city's annual budget development process.

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The FY 2026-27 planned budget was originally developed in the summer of 2025 as part of the biennial planning process. It totals $5.39 billion and serves as the foundation for the upcoming recommended budget to be proposed to council on Aug. 11.

Updated forecasts show the General Fund budget for the fiscal year, which was projected to be $2.05 billion, is currently out of balance due to slower revenue growth and increasing cost pressures. These assumptions are to be refined ahead of the city manager's recommended budget presentation.

As the city prepares for the next biennial budget, City Council and public engagement continue to guide resource allocation. Key takeaways from City Council's budget priorities exercise include:

• “Safe” identified as the highest-priority Foundational Pillar
• Strong support for investments in streets, sidewalks, and alley maintenance and homelessness response
• Majority of council members favor maintaining the current property tax rate

Public engagement continues through surveys and public hearings. The next budget update will be presented to City Council on June 17.

"Our obligation is to present a balanced, sustainable budget that protects essential services while responding to economic realities," said City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. "We will continue to work closely with the City Council, staff, and residents to ensure our financial decisions reflect community priorities and maintain the city's long-term fiscal health."