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Let's Talk Budget 2027 - City News and Events

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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

  • Community Update from Mayor Rhodes-Conway (August 2)

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    City of Madison staff and community partners have been actively delivering the message that the best path forward is for the occupation to end peacefully so the real work of healing the community and enacting change can begin. 

  • Aug. 1 update from Chief Patterson

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    As of Saturday night, there is no new information to share.  I remain in daily contact with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).  I will continue to speak with DCI every day and share anything that…

  • Community Update from Mayor Rhodes-Conway (August 1)

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    The City of Madison is preparing for a respectful transition at Williamson Street and Baldwin Street.

  • July 31 update from Chief Patterson

    posted

    As of Friday night, there is no new information to share.  I remain in daily contact with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).  I will continue to speak with DCI every day and share anything that I…

  • Community Update from Mayor Rhodes-Conway (July 31)

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    The occupation at the intersection of Williamson Street and Baldwin Street must end.

  • Intermittent issue with Legistar Insite Documents

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    Granicus, our Legistar vendor, is reporting an intermittent issue with accessing documents on Legistar's website portal.  This is affecting all Granicus customers. Their status page reports: “… intermittent issue impacting InSite where some…

  • August Moving Days: How to Set Out Appliances, Furniture, & Bags That Won't Fit in the Cart

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    The student move out collections run from August 3, 2026, until August 21, 2026, within the downtown student move out area. For the collection process in the in the move out area to be fast and safe for everyone, follow these guidelines…

  • July 30 update from Chief Patterson

    posted

    As of Thursday night, there is no new information to share.  I remain in daily contact with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).  I will continue to speak with DCI every day and share anything that…

Upcoming Events

  1. Bird & Nature Adventures | Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park

    –
    Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park
    6098 North Sherman Avenue, Meet at the Cherokee Marsh North Unite Parking Lot

  2. Monday Mornings at The Glen

    –
    The Glen Golf Park
    3747 Speedway Road

  3. HASfit - Gentle Exercise

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

  4. Bridge Belles

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

  5. Rosen Method Movement

    –
    City of Madison - Madison Senior Center
    330 West Mifflin Street

  6. Parks Alive | Elver Park

    –
    Elver Park
    1250 McKenna Blvd

  7. Barre3 Fitness Class

    –
    The Glen Golf Park
    3747 Speedway Rd

  8. HASfit - Gentle Exercise

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

  9. Gentle Yoga

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

  10. Case Manager Drop-In Assistance

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

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Portrait of Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole

Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole

District 10
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