For immediate release: February 12th, 2026 

On February 12, Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Mario Vasquez presented the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget to the City Council for review and approval.  This year’s budget reflects priorities requested by Kansas Citians, with key investments in public safety, public infrastructure, housing, and the City’s neighborhoods. The $2.5 billion spending plan also cuts the City’s previously projected General Fund deficit by more than half — from roughly $100 million to about $55 million — through disciplined financial management and careful budgeting.  

The submitted budget reflects a balanced, forward-looking approach, that pairs fiscal restraint with continued investment in the services residents rely on most. Even while significantly reducing the projected deficit, the budget adds approximately 200 new jobs tied to public safety operations, strengthening the City’s ability to keep residents and visitors safe.  

"At the core of our $2.5 billion budget for the next fiscal year is our people," said Mayor Quinton Lucas. "In survey after survey, the people of Kansas City make clear that what they want is a Kansas City that delivers by being a more affordable place to live, an easier place to live and do business, and a safer place to live, work, and play. That's what the proposed 2026-27 budget is built to achieve."   

The FY 2026–27 budget marks the first full year of Priority-Based Budgeting, a data-driven approach that increases transparency throughout the budgeting process. By utilizing this tool, City decision makers can evaluate how well programs advance community goals and take a more focused approach when reviewing City services to maximize use of limited resources 

“I’m very thankful for my team’s effort in preparing the proposed budget for consideration by the Mayor and the City Council. We’ve made a significant effort to recommend a fiscally sustainable budget proposal that continues to provide the services that make us proud to call Kansas City home,” said City Manager Mario Vasquez. “As a City, we will continue to use best practices to manage this $2.5 billion budget with transparency and informed decision-making". 

The submitted budget emphasizes outcomes for residents, including maintaining core services, supporting public safety operations, and ensuring long-term financial stability.  

“With today’s delivery of the proposed budget, we will begin a dialogue into the priorities for our upcoming fiscal year,” said Councilmember Andrea Bough, Chair of the City Finance Committee. “A discussion that will focus on the basic services that the City provides on a daily basis with an eye to the future of what we can and need to deliver in terms of affordable housing and economic growth.  As we begin that dialogue, we encourage all to participation either in person or by sending your comments to us via email. Together we are Kansas City, and this budget will reflect our collective priorities.” 

City Council will review the budget in the coming weeks, including a series of department presentations and public budget hearings, before final adoption later this spring.  

For more information about the FY 2026–27 budget and upcoming public engagement opportunities, visit kcmo.gov/budget. 

### 

Media with questions may contact Jordan Berger, Public Information Officer of Finance, at Jordan.Berger@kcmo.org.