2027 Budget Development
Every year, the City of Kalamazoo develops a budget that determines how public resources will be invested to provide services, maintain infrastructure, and support the community.
From police, fire, and emergency medical services to streets, parks, water and wastewater systems, neighborhood services, and economic development, the annual budget guides nearly every service the City provides.
Developing the budget is a collaborative process that takes place over several months. It includes financial analysis, public meetings, input from advisory bodies and community partners, and opportunities for residents to share their priorities before the City Commission adopts the final budget.
Your participation is an important part of that process.
Share Your Priorities
The annual Community Budget Survey gives residents, business owners, employees, and visitors an opportunity to help shape the City's upcoming budget.
The survey asks about:
- The City services that are most important to you
- Funding priorities for the coming year
- Questions you have about the City's budget
- Ways the City can improve how budget information is presented
Community feedback helps City staff and the City Commission better understand community priorities as they prepare next year's proposed budget.
Take the Community Budget Survey
How the Budget Is Developed
Although the City's fiscal year begins on January 1, planning for the following year's budget begins nearly ten months earlier.
Throughout the budget development process, City staff work to balance community priorities with available financial resources while planning for both current operations and future investments.
The budget is informed by many factors, including:
- Community feedback and public engagement
- The City's Strategic Vision and Master Plan
- Revenue projections and economic conditions
- Operational and staffing needs
- Long-term infrastructure investments
- Water and wastewater utility planning
- State and federal funding opportunities
- Long-term financial sustainability
The process also includes multiple public meetings where residents can observe discussions, review proposed plans, and provide feedback before the budget is adopted.
2027 Budget Development Timeline
March 14, 2026
City Commission Retreat
July 21, 2026
Release of Budget Survey
September 9, 2026 (tentative)
Community Budget Meeting
September 10, 2026
Utility Policy Committee discussion of Water Utility Rates
October 8, 2026
Utility Policy Committee Receives Draft Water Utility Rate Recommendation
November 12, 2026
Utility Policy Committee Rate Approval
November 16, 2026
City Commission First Reading of Water and Wastewater Utility Rates
September 28, 2026
Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors reviews 2027 funding request from the City
October 1, 2026
Capital Plans presented to Planning Commission
October 26, 2026
Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors votes on funding request
October 30, 2026
Proposed Budget published
November 16, 2026
City Commission holds Annual Budget Work Session
December 7, 2026
City Commission holds Public Budget Hearing, votes on Water and Wastewater Utility Rates
December 21, 2026
City Commission votes on budget adoption
Meeting dates and milestones are subject to change as the budget development process progresses. Please check this page for the latest schedule and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the budget process begin so early?
Preparing the City's budget requires months of planning and analysis. Staff evaluate revenues, expenditures, service needs, infrastructure investments, utility finances, and community priorities before presenting a balanced budget to the City Commission. Beginning the process early allows time for public engagement, careful review, and thoughtful decision-making before the budget is adopted.
How is the budget connected to Imagine Kalamazoo 2035?
The City's Strategic Vision and Master Plan help guide long-term investment decisions. Community priorities identified through Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 are considered alongside financial information, operational needs, and public feedback as staff prepare the annual budget.
Can residents influence the budget?
Yes. Residents have multiple opportunities to participate throughout the budget development process, including:
- Completing the Community Budget Survey
- Reviewing the proposed budget
- Attending public meetings
- Speaking during the public hearing
- Contacting City Commissioners
Community input helps inform discussions throughout the budget process.