City-County Building
Common Council

Let's Talk Budget 2027 - City News and Events

posted 

Capital Budget Process

The City of Madison's budget process starts with the Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which focus on major long-term investments such as streets, sidewalks, parks, buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. 

Agency Requests 

What is the Capital Budget?

  • The Capital Budget funds projects planned for the next year (2027).
  • These projects are typically paid for through borrowing rather than annual property tax revenues.
  • Property taxes are used over time to repay the debt through debt service (principal and interest payments).

What is the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)?

  • The Capital Improvement Plan looks ahead five additional years (2028–2032).
  • This long-range planning is necessary because many infrastructure projects take several years to design, fund, and construct.
1-Budget 2027

How the Process Works

2-2027 CAPITAL BUDGET

Why Debt Matters

Madison aims to keep annual debt-service payments at 18% or less of the total property tax levy. Maintaining this target:

  • Protects the City's strong bond rating.
  • Helps secure lower borrowing costs.
  • Saves taxpayers money over time.

Current Challenge

The projects requested for 2028–2032 would push debt-service costs above the City's 18% target. As a result:

  • Some projects will be delayed, reduced, or removed.
  • The Executive Capital Budget and subsequent amendments will prioritize projects to keep borrowing within sustainable limits.

The capital budget process is Madison's way of deciding which major infrastructure and facility investments to fund while balancing community needs against long-term debt affordability. Because current requests exceed the City's debt target, significant prioritization is expected before the final 2027 Capital Budget is approved.

City Budget Engagement Sessions Jun 2

Justice & Public Safety

Tuesday, June 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Central Library  

The first session will focus on Justice & Public Safety and will feature staff and information from the Attorney's Office, the Department of Civil Rights, Fire, the Municipal Court, the Office of Independent Police Monitor, the Police, and Public Health.

Justice & Public Safety

Upcoming Meetings

City Meetings Schedule, News and Event Links

Upcoming Meetings News Events

News Releases

Upcoming Events

  1. 97th Men's Public Links

    –
    Yahara Hills Golf Course
    7051 Millpond Road

  2. 10th Women's Public Links

    –
    Multiple Locations

  3. Volunteer at The Glen

    –
    The Glen Golf Park
    3747 Speedway Road

  4. Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor

    –
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center
    330 Femrite Drive

  5. Movie in the Park | Hamilton

    –
    Peace (Elizabeth Link) Park
    452 State Street

  6. 97th Men's Public Links

    –
    Yahara Hills Golf Course
    7051 Millpond Road

  7. 10th Women's Public Links

    –
    Multiple Locations

  8. Monday Mornings at The Glen

    –
    The Glen Golf Park
    3747 Speedway Road

  9. HASfit - Gentle Exercise

    –
    City of Madison - Madison Senior Center
    330 W Mifflin St

  10. Bridge Belles

    –
    City of Madison - Madison Senior Center
    330 W Mifflin St

Categories:

Tags:

Was this page helpful to you? * required
Portrait of Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole

Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole

District 10
Contact Alder Figueroa Cole

Categories