City of Norfolk Proposed Budget FY 2027

The City of Norfolk's City Manager, Pat Roberts, presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget and five-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) to the City Council on March 24, 2026. The total operating budget includes a general fund of approximately $1.24 billion, enterprise funds of $220 million, special revenue funds of $40 million, and internal service funds of $132 million. The first year of the CIP is proposed at over $335 million, with a five-year total of about $1.13 billion, reflecting a $250 million reduction from the previous CIP to reduce debt service. Key procurement-related highlights include funding for public safety enhancements such as adding over 30 fire rescue staff to implement a four-day work shift, $11 million for replacing Fire Station 9, and $1.6 million for police operations center maintenance. Significant investments in public education include $158.5 million toward the replacement of Maury High School and $8 million for major maintenance of existing schools. Other capital projects include $90 million for a two-year renovation of Chrysler Hall, $6.7 million for MacArthur Mall redevelopment, and various infrastructure projects like bridge rehabilitation and shoreline stabilization. The budget closes a $46 million gap primarily driven by increased costs, without raising property tax rates, and includes pay increases for city employees and a one-time supplement for retirees. Public hearings and further council deliberations are scheduled before final budget adoption in May 2026.