District 19 and the 2026 Adopted Budget

Adopted Budgets

The Common Council adopted 2026 capital and operating budgets and resulting property tax levy on November 11.

Capital Budget

The $286.2 million capital budget is down 32.9% from 2025 reflecting the end of major federal programs. The budget authorizes three projects in District 19.

• Reconstruction of Capital Avenue (note that the five-year capital plan includes reconstruction of Norman Way in 2027)
• Enlarging of West Towne Pond (between Gammon Rd and Grand Canyon south of Mineral Point) to reduce the risk of flooding along Mineral Point, Gammon, Grand Canyon and nearby streets.
• New playground equipment for Marshall Park

Operating Budget

The $452.7 million operating budget is up 4.6% from 2025.

• Lobbying effort got a higher state contribution for services to state property
• State Expenditure Restraint Incentive Program (ERIP) put a lid on budget or Madison would lose $7 million in state support
• Budget includes
  • Unprecedented investment in homeless services with $1.7 million for new shelter
  • Staffing for new library in Reindahl Park (“Imagination Center”)
  • 10th ambulance company for Fire Department

Tax Levy

The City of Madison levy of $7.0032 per thousand dollars of assessed value is down 4.12% from 2025. With a further increase in average assessed value, the city levy on the average home will still generate an additional tax of $30.30. The driver of increased taxes in 2026 is coming from the Madison Metropolitan School District. Smaller increases come from Dane County and MATC. Here are the millage details and impact on the average home.

Image credit: Madison Finance Department

Image credit: Madison Finance Department