Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington calls it a “continuity budget.”
The $785.4 million fiscal year 2027 budget proposal sustains essential services, supports major developments coming online and manages financial pressures.
Washington notes the city is in a very good financial position.
“With so much economic uncertainty at the international, national and even state level, I think it does us well to reassure us that we’ll be able to withstand any unanticipated changes that will affect us economically by bolstering our rainy-day fund.”
Water and wastewater investments top the list followed by public safety, including state funding for 10 additional police officers expected in 2027.
“Continuing to keep our city not only safe and recreational but also clean with $21 million for our refuse and recycling program and you can see our investments in libraries and the courts.”
The property tax millage is proposed to decrease 1.2% with general fund revenue projected at $207 million, driven by property and income taxes.
Approximately $10 million will support the Affordable Housing Fund from the sale of city property and $7 million in federal funding goes to address homelessness and housing stability.
The City Commission has two workshops and a public hearing next month before final budget adoption May 19.
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