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.”
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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.
A significant portion of the spending is dedicated to infrastructure and resilience. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget totals $202 million, providing funds for projects to protect the environment and improve infrastructure.
The Public Works Administration operating budget is $352.4 million, spanning five departments and underscoring the commitment to maintaining assets and preparing for the future.
Climate Resilience Accelerated with SPAR Program
In light of the region being impacted by three hurricanes in 2024, the budget prioritizes addressing the acute risks associated with climate change and sea level rise for the coastal city.
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Key to this effort is the St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) Program, a comprehensive initiative developed to accelerate the strengthening of the City’s infrastructure for long-term resilience. The budget allocates $9.85 million to SPAR projects, alongside other infrastructure investments, including $42.9 million for Water Reclamation Facilities Improvements and $25.675 million for Lift Station Improvements projects.
Budget Highlights Across Key Priorities
The approved budget details specific allocations to support the City’s priorities:
- Housing Opportunities For All: This area sees significant investment, including a $9.7 million operating budget for the Housing and Community Development Department, a $6 million Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Affordable Housing Land Acquisition, and funding for programs like Rapid Rehousing ($400,000) and Pinellas Hope ($215,000).
- Neighborhood Health and Safety: Maintaining public safety remains a core function, with $173.7 million allocated to the Police Department and $49.5 million to Fire Rescue. The budget also provides $1.7 million for the Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) Program and $3.3 million for technology like Body Worn Cameras and drones.
- Education and Youth Opportunities: The Mayor’s Future Ready Academy will receive $500,000, and $400,000 is set aside for Year-Round Youth Employment Programs, emphasizing opportunities for St. Petersburg’s youth.
- Equitable Development, Arts, and Business Opportunities: The budget supports local culture and economy with $557,000 for the Arts Grants Program, $250,000 for Small Business Grants and Programs, and funding for cultural institutions like The Palladium and the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
The final adoption followed a thorough review process, including a Budget Open House in April 2025 where public input significantly influenced the final recommended budget.
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