Inside Tampa's proposed $1.9-billion budget
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The City of Tampa will hold its first public hearing Wednesday for the proposed 2026 operating budget, which comes in at a whopping $1.9 billion.
Why it matters: The budget lays bare the city's priorities, dollar by dollar — with millions set aside for storm preparation and flood mitigation to address pain points from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Follow the money: Mayor Jane Castor called public safety her "top priority," and her budget reflects that. Nearly half a billion dollars will go to first responders.
- The police department is set to receive $262 million, with most of it, $221 million, covering salaries and benefits. The fire department would receive $192 million, with $143 million allocated for its personnel.
- The FY26 budget adds $79 million to replace aging water and wastewater lines; some of Tampa's pipes are almost 100 years old, and failing infrastructure has already cost the city millions of dollars.
Castor also earmarked $11 million for permanent backup generators at select stormwater pump stations and for staffing the city's Pump Station Rapid Response Team, addressing the flooding seen during Milton.
- About $10 million will go to resurfacing the city's aging roads, with $2.5 million to repave a stretch of New Tampa Boulevard; $850,000 is allocated for sidewalk construction.
What they're saying: "Roads, stormwater systems, and water lines might not be glamorous," Castor said when she unveiled her budget, "but they keep our city running."
What's next: The hearing's set for 5pm. If you'd like to share your thoughts during public comment, you can sign up to speak here.
- The next hearing happens Sept. 16, with the budget due before the 2026 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.