Phoenix City Council Policy Session - 10/13/2026

At the October 13, 2026 Phoenix City Council policy session, staff reported FY2025–26 General Fund resources were $17.7 million above estimates, expenditures were $10.5 million above estimates, and the ending balance was $7.2 million above estimates. Council unanimously approved the 2027–28 budget calendar; members also discussed rising labor, healthcare, pension, asset-maintenance, and operating costs, and ways to broaden public input into budget development. The meeting opened with a celebration of Pierce Park improvements, including six lighted pickleball courts, two tennis courts, resurfaced basketball and volleyball courts, and a repaved parking lot; no related contract award or vendor selection was presented.

Staff reviewed implementation of the voter-approved $500 million 2023 general obligation bond program, comprising 47 projects across 14 departments. Examples included $81 million for pavement, $23 million for Rio Reimagined land acquisition, a $21 million Fire Station 15 project, and $7.6 million for heat resilience. A fiscal capacity committee recommended a $575 million 2028 bond program without increasing the secondary property tax rate. By an 8–1 vote, Council directed staff to consult nonprofits and philanthropic experts on proposed participation guidelines and report back, and directed the committee to assess capacity for a 2027 water-infrastructure bond as well as a $600–$650 million 2028 bond with an allocation to water. These are analysis and consultation directions, not bond approvals; no contract awards were made.