2026 Budget Process is Underway

Another Challenging Year

Madison's capital budget process has already begun and the operating budget process kicks off soon. It will be another challenging year, amplified by uncertainty over potential cuts to typical federal funding.

Budget Calendar

The 2026 Budget Calendar is available online and the budget process is underway. Finance provided a brief presentation on the budget process at the February 17 Finance Committee (FC) meeting (File 87210(link is external), Recording Link). Capital requests presentation will be covered at the next FC meeting, scheduled for May 12 @4:30 PM.

Image credit: City of Madison Finance

Federal Funding Uncertainty

Federal funding issues are presented at the Finance Committee. File 86892(link is external) a recurring discussion item that has all of the staff presentations on this topic. You can watch these presentation at the Finance Committee Meeting City Media Channel on February 3, March 3, and April 7. Briefings will continue on an approximately monthly basis.