Lincoln budget heads to Aug. 3 hearing with public safety and infrastructure priorities

Lincoln’s proposed 2026-28 budget goes before the public Monday, Aug. 3, with higher planned spending and major commitments for public safety, infrastructure, housing, water-system work and other city services.

The mayor’s proposal calls for nearly $317 million in spending in the first fiscal year and about $334 million in the second, roughly 5% above the prior fiscal year. The plan remains proposed and could change through Lincoln City Council amendments before a scheduled adoption vote Aug. 24.

Public hearing is Monday

The budget hearing is scheduled during the Lincoln City Council meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, in the Council Chambers at the County/City Building, 555 South 10th Street.

Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed budget. The city’s budget calendar lists Aug. 24 as the scheduled date for the council to adopt the fiscal 2026-28 budget, although the vote and the budget language remain subject to council action.

Public safety is the largest emphasis

Public safety represents the largest share of the tax-funded budget. In the first year, the proposal includes about $83 million for the Lincoln Police Department and roughly $68 million for Lincoln Fire and Rescue.

The proposal also continues the city’s investment in additional firefighters, paramedics and police officers whose positions were initially supported through SAFER and COPS grants. Under the plan, Lincoln would absorb or continue those costs as part of its ongoing financial commitments.

Tax rates and home values are separate issues

The mayor’s proposal says most city tax rates would remain unchanged. The stormwater-bond financing approved by voters is identified as the exception to that otherwise unchanged city-rate position.

That does not mean every resident’s total property-tax bill will stay flat. Preliminary figures cited in the budget coverage show average home values increasing 4.6%. Individual bills can vary based on a property’s assessment and taxes imposed by other local taxing entities.

Other proposed priorities

Beyond police and fire services, the proposal emphasizes infrastructure, water-system upgrades, the central public library, downtown projects, affordable housing and senior services.

The city’s budget page lists a July 22 mayor-proposed budget alongside revised tentative changes submitted by the City Council. Those documents represent different stages of the process and should not be treated as the final adopted budget.

More changes may come before adoption

The budget calendar schedules additional council steps after the Aug. 3 hearing. Proposed final council changes are due Aug. 7, with discussion scheduled for Aug. 10 and a council vote on those changes scheduled for Aug. 12. The council’s scheduled budget-adoption date is Aug. 24.

For Lincoln residents, the immediate opportunity for public input is Monday’s hearing. The proposed plan would direct more city spending toward public safety and infrastructure while continuing funding for housing, water, library, downtown and senior-service priorities. The final effect on individual property-tax bills will depend on assessed values and the actions of all taxing entities, not only the city’s tax rates.

Sources

• City of Lincoln 2026-28 City Council Budget Calendar
• Nebraska Public Media: Lincoln mayor announces budget proposal