Tracking the 2026 Budget Process

Budget Process

Here are the key dates for the 2026 budget development:

Image credit: Madison Common Council

Operating Budget Review

Agency requests for the 2026 operating budget (general and library funds) have been published. A helpful summary was presented by staff at the August 25 Finance Committee meeting. Here are some of the saliant points.

• We begin with the “cost-to-continue” (CTC) which means the cost to sustain all current services.
• Total CTC expenses are 456.3 million, a $23.8 million increase from the 2025 budget.
• Total CTC revenues are $450.1 million, a $17.6 million increase from 2025.
• That leaves a $6.2 million gap that we will need to address.
• In addition, agencies have recommended additional services costing $1.8 million in 2026, but with a total annualized impact of $3.4 million in subsequent years. These include operations for the new Bartillon Men’s Shelter and library and park support for the new Imagination Center in Reindahl Park both of which will open in 2026.