Budget Engagement Meetings

City Budget Process

The 2026 City Budget process has begun! City agencies have submitted their 2026 Capital Budget requests to the Mayor's Office for consideration. Agencies are currently working on their Operating Budget requests.

The Mayor's Office will spend the summer putting together the Mayor's Executive Capital Budget, which is scheduled for release in early September. The budget will then be presented to the Finance Committee for a hearing and potential amendments in mid-September. The Mayor's Office will also assemble the Executive Operating budget this summer, which will be released early October before going to the Finance Committee in mid-October. Common Council will take up both budgets for a final vote in mid-November.

The best resource for direct information about the 2026 City budget process is on the City Budget webpage, which Finance staff will continue updating with links as materials are made available throughout the process.

Budget Engagement Meetings

Last year, Alders hosted several Budget Engagement Meetings in different parts of the City that drew hundreds of residents who turned out to learn, ask questions, and provide their input about City services and costs. The City will hold five public meetings this June as part of the 2026 City Budget process.

The goal of these public meetings is to provide an opportunity for residents to speak directly with City staff and alders about their ideas, concerns, and priorities for Madison’s future. You will also be given the latest budget information from Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke and learn more about the essential services provided to Madison residents. Each meeting will focus on a key area of service.

• Budget Engagement Meeting - Public Works: Join us on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Madison Public Library - Central, 201 W Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703.
• Budget Engagement Meeting - City Administration & Facilities: Join us on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Dr., Madison, WI 53704.
• Budget Engagement Meeting - Public Safety: Join us on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd., Madison, WI 53711.
• Budget Engagement Meeting - Transportation: Join us on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pinney Library, 516 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716
• Budget Engagement Meeting - Community & Economic Development: Join us on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Urban League Hub, 2352 Park St., Madison, WI 53713

I look forward to seeing you at one or more of these events!