Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

The City of Columbia budget outlines priorities for the fiscal year that runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30 each year. We know our budget is complex, and it can be confusing. Our hope is to clarify this process so everyone can better understand how fiscal decisions are being made and why your feedback is so important. On the right side of this page, we’ve provided a Powerpoint tutorial that explains and illustrates the different parts of the budget process, using data from the FY2024 budget, a Glossary of Terms, and answers to several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .

We will also host a series of information sessions and interactive activities to help everyone connect the dots between numbers in a budget document and projects the City is working on. The first of these will be held at City Hall on Jan. 9, 2025 (11:30 am - 1:30 p.m.) and Jan. 16, 2025 (6-8 p.m.) We invite you to attend one (or both!) of these to learn more and share what's important to you.

We encourage you to share your comments and questions below as we move ahead in crafting the FY2026 budget. Also follow this project to be notified of additional opportunities to learn and be heard!