First look at proposed 2026 budget
On August 14, The City’s finance team will hold its annual Budget Workshop with City Council, which also marks the first public discussion of the proposed 2026 City budget.
The public is welcome to attend this meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, at the City’s Police and Courts Building, 810 E. 10th St.
In 2024, the City’s focus was on stabilizing the 2025 budget to align service levels with available revenue. While we’ve made progress and will not face reductions this year, our budget still falls short of fully meeting the needs of our organization and community. For 2026, we are emphasizing strategic financial planning as we work toward long-term sustainability.
Here are some key highlights ahead of the workshop:
Strategic Budgeting: The 2026 process involved a detailed, department-by-department review to ensure funding is aligned with operational needs, programs, and services.
Doing More with Less: We’ve made difficult reductions in several areas. The most notable was the encampment program, which had relied on temporary funds. With those funds exhausted, the decision was made to shift resources—freeing up ongoing general fund dollars for other priorities.
General Fund Increase: The proposed budget reflects a modest 0.5% increase in general fund spending from 2025 to 2026. While small, it allows for limited investments in growth-related needs, public safety, access to City services, and employee compensation, engagement and recognition.
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): Maintaining City buildings and infrastructure is critical. The 2026 proposal includes $4.5 million for CIP, a number that remains well below our total identified needs. Still, we remain far from where we need to be.
Revenue Generation: The 2025 budget introduced several new or enhanced revenue sources to help offset service and operational costs. This best practice will continue moving forward.
Monitoring and Adjusting: We are closely tracking market and economic trends and will adjust our budget forecasts as needed before the end of the year.
Loveland remains a vibrant and valued community. Year after year, our community survey confirms how much residents appreciate City-provided services.
City leadership is committed to maintaining Loveland as a great place to work and live—and to securing a financially strong future for all.
Visit the Budget Workshop with City Council agenda and packet for more details.
