The FY 2026-27 planned budget—originally developed in summer 2025 as part of the biennial planning process—serves as the foundation for the upcoming recommended budget to be proposed to the City Council on August 11, 2026. The planned FY 2026-27 budget (all funds) totals $5.39 billion, including a General Fund budget of $2.05 billion.  Updated forecasts show the upcoming fiscal year General Fund budget is currently out of balance due to slower revenue growth and increasing cost pressures. These assumptions will be refined ahead of the City Manager’s recommended budget presentation on August 11, 2026. 

As Dallas prepares the next biennial budget, City Council and public engagement continue to guide resource allocation.  Key takeaways from the City Council 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 

“Our obligation is to present a balanced, sustainable budget that protects essential services while responding to economic realities” said Dallas 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.” 

Public engagement continues through surveys and public hearings. The next budget update, including results from the Community Survey, will be presented to the City Council on June 17, 2026.