San Bernardino adopts 2026-27 Budget

The San Bernardino City Council unanimously approved the City’s 2026-27 Fiscal Year Operating Budget and 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan at its June 17, 2026 meeting, adopting a financial plan that maintains essential services, invests in community priorities, and preserves the City’s strong fiscal position despite an uncertain economic environment.

“San Bernardino continues to make responsible investments in the services and infrastructure our residents depend on every day while maintaining strong financial reserves,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “This budget reflects our commitment to public safety, streets, parks, libraries, homelessness solutions, and long-term fiscal sustainability. We are planning carefully for the future while continuing to deliver results for our residents.”

The adopted $329.5 million budget includes nearly $10 million in new capital improvement funds for infrastructure projects. The General Fund maintains a projected reserve of approximately $104.9 million, significantly exceeding the City Council’s reserve policy requirements.

San Bernardino, like many local governments throughout California, continues to face long-term challenges related to rising costs and revenue sources that are heavily dependent on retail activity and consumer spending.

The adopted budget continues funding for critical City services, including police, parks and recreation, library services, public works, code enforcement, economic development, and homelessness response programs. It supports year-round recreation programming, special events, and ongoing investments in neighborhood quality-of-life initiatives.

The City Council also approved continued investment in the Capital Improvement Program, which includes approximately $165 million in active capital projects entering Fiscal Year 2026-27. These investments fund infrastructure projects such as street rehabilitation, park improvements, and homeless facilities.

The adopted budget does contain a projected gap between recurring revenues and expenditures. While the City’s reserve levels remain strong, the Mayor and City Council recognized the need for continued discipline and efforts to diversify and grow the City’s revenue base over time.

At the Budget Hearing, the City Council voted to appropriate one million from the Cultural Development Fund for arts initiatives, reflecting the City’s commitment to supporting arts and culture as part of San Bernardino’s ongoing revitalization efforts. The Council will consider future actions related to arts and cultural programming, including the potential establishment of an Arts and Culture Committee.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and Budget in Brief are available on the City’s website and provide detailed information regarding revenues, expenditures, capital projects, and departmental priorities. The final budget documents will be available online and in City libraries in August.