st. Petersburg City council Approves $976 Million FY 2026 budget, Prioritizing Resilience and Community Investment
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved a $976 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, marking a significant investment in the city’s long-term resilience, affordable housing, and public safety. The budget’s final adoption followed a public review process, including a Budget Open House in April 2025.
A key focus of the FY 2026 budget is addressing the acute risks associated with climate change and sea level rise. The St. Pete agile Resilience (SPAR) Program will recieve $9.85 million to accelerate infrastructure strengthening. Additional infrastructure investments include $42.9 million for Water Reclamation Facilities Improvements and $25.675 million for Lift Station Improvements projects.
The approved budget allocates significant funding across several key priorities:
* Housing opportunities For All: $9.7 million is budgeted for the Housing and Community Growth Department’s operating budget, alongside a $6 million Five-Year Capital betterment Plan for Affordable Housing Land Acquisition. Programs like Rapid rehousing will receive $400,000, and Pinellas Hope is allocated $215,000.
* Neighborhood Health and Safety: Public safety remains a core focus, with $173.7 million allocated to the Police Department and $49.5 million to Fire Rescue. The budget also includes $1.7 million for the community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) Program and $3.3 million for technology upgrades, including Body worn Cameras and drones.
* Education and Youth Opportunities: The Mayor’s Future Ready Academy will receive $500,000, and $400,000 is designated for Year-Round Youth Employment Programs.
* Equitable Development, Arts, and Business Opportunities: The budget supports the local cultural and economic landscape with $557,000 for the Arts Grants Program, $250,000 for Small Business Grants and Programs, and funding for institutions like The Palladium and the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
