ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The St. Petersburg City Council officially approved the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget of $976,228,519 at the second Budget Public Hearing held at City Hall today. The budget, which took effect on October 1, 2025, emphasizes strengthening city infrastructure and ensuring long-term resilience, particularly in response to climate change impacts.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch lauded the decision, stating, “The personnel, programs, services, and infrastructure funded in the Fiscal Year 2026 City Budget reflects our City’s continued commitment to building a diverse, resilient, and vibrant St. Petersburg.”
He highlighted that the budget was “Guided by the principles of fiscal responsibility, intentional inclusivity, and equitable investment,” and supports initiatives to “strengthen our resiliency, foster innovation, and create opportunity for all who call our city home.”
Pillars for Progress Guide Investment
The annual budgeting process focused on allocating resources across Mayor Welch’s Five Pillars For Progress: Housing Opportunities for All; Environment, Infrastructure, and Resilience; Equitable Development, Arts, and Business Opportunities; Education and Youth Opportunities; and Neighborhood Health and Safety…