County-City Building in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Jeff Motz/KFOR News)LINCOLN—(News Release June 8)—Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today said her proposed City budget for fiscal years 2026-2028 prioritizes continued investment in public safety and core City services while supporting infrastructure improv ements and long-term community growth across Lincoln. “Lincoln residents count on excellent City services that make life better today and position our community for an even more prosperous future,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “My proposed budget continues public investment in the people, infrastructure, and community assets that support safe neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and a high quality of life for all in Lincoln.” The tax-funded budget investment for year one of the biennial budget is $316,571,827 and the tax-funded budget investment for year two is $334,604,932. The property tax rate remains unchanged at the current level of .29732 per $100 of valuation. While local sales tax growth has remained relatively flat this year, stronger-than-anticipated revenues in previous years create one-time funding opportunities for several signature community projects and infrastructure investments, including the Central Library, Project “O” Street, Canopy Yard, and the Multi-Modal Transportation Center. Mayor Gaylor Baird highlighted investments in the proposed budget that support a safe, strong, and growing Lincoln. The following key investments will deliver outcomes that: Protect the health and safety of Lincoln families: The proposed budget continues Lincoln’s investment in public safety personnel and emergency response services through additional firefighter, paramedic, and police officer positions, emergency ambulance services, and ongoing support for positions previously funded through federal SAFER and COPS grants. Build and bolster infrastructure that supports a strong and resilient city: The proposed budget maintains strong resources for Lincoln’s core infrastructure and utility systems that support reliable service delivery and long-term community growth. Investments include additional staffing and operational support for water, wastewater, solid waste, transportation, and emergency management services; expanded street and sidewalk repair capacity; and continued incentives for sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives. Grow economic opportunity and cultural vibrancy: The proposed budget supports continued investment in projects and public spaces that strengthen Lincoln’s economy, attract visitors, and enhance quality of life for residents. Investments include the Central Library, Project “O” Street, Canopy Yard, improvements to the airport entryway corridor, and programs and events that support tourism, downtown vitality, and community activation. Grow the good life for everyone who calls Lincoln home: The proposed budget continues investment in affordable housing, neighborhood services, public transit, libraries, parks, and community programs that expand access and opportunity for residents across Lincoln. Investments include enhanced services for seniors through Aging Partners, additional staffing and support for libraries and StarTran services, continued partnership funding for community nonprofits, and neighborhood-focused programs that connect residents with housing, educational, and community resources. Deliver innovative and excellent service to community members and customers: The proposed budget advances technology, communications, data systems, and operational improvements across the City organization that strengthen service delivery. Investments include improvements to City digital platforms and customer access tools, additional technology and data support staff, operational and planning support for City departments, and system improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness for residents. (An Executive Summary with more specific budget proposals follows this release.) Mayor Gaylor Baird outlined several significant drivers of new budget investment in the proposed FY26-28 biennial budget including: Ongoing local funding for 18 firefighter and firefighter paramedics previously supported through a federal SAFER grant – $1,870,625 in year one and $2,481,160 in year two Local matching funds for nine additional firefighter and firefighter paramedics through a federal SAFER grant – $215,039 in year one and $240,458 in year two Addition of a ninth ambulance medic unit staffed by three additional firefighter paramedics and three additional firefighter EMTs Ongoing local funding for seven police officer positions previously supported through a federal COPS grant – $755,823 in year one and $845,671 in year two Proposed addition of four police officer positions in year two through a new federal COPS grant application – $150,000 for the grant match in year two Central Library debt service associated with the Municipal Improvement Bond Corporation bond issuance – $1,317,521 in year one and $1,399,478 in year two Mayor Gaylor Baird noted that the proposed budget continues the City’s disciplined approach to fiscal management. Except for voter-approved stormwater bonds, the City of Lincoln has not increased the property tax rate during her administration and has reduced the rate three out of the last seven years. “This proposed budget reflects a disciplined approach to maintaining strong City services while continuing to invest in Lincoln’s future,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “Through careful planning and responsible use of resources, we are advancing community priorities that support residents, neighborhoods, and economic growth across Lincoln.” Mayor Gaylor Baird said the budget reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to working alongside residents, businesses, and community partners to support Lincoln’s continued success. “Lincoln’s robust public-private partnerships continue to drive investment, development, and momentum across our community,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “This budget reinvests those resources into the services and public improvements that help keep Lincoln strong and competitive into the future.” The City Council’s public hearing on the budget is August 3, and the Council is scheduled to vote on the budget adoption August 24. For more information on the budget, visit lincoln.ne.gov/budget. For more information on the Capital Improvement Program, visit lincoln.ne.gov/CIP. ...read more read less