Lincoln Mayor Proposes Ambitious Biennial Budget Focused on Safety and Growth
Lincoln’s Mayor, Leirion Gaylor Baird, has unveiled a comprehensive biennial budget proposal designed to bolster public safety, revitalize downtown, and enhance infrastructure. The proposed budget for the 2026-28 period is set at nearly $317 million for the first fiscal year and approximately $334 million for the second, marking a 5% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Importantly, the plan does not include any tax hikes, except for the voter-approved bonds aimed at improving stormwater drainage. However, residents might still face higher property taxes due to a 4.6% rise in the average home value, as indicated by the county assessor’s preliminary valuations.
Reflecting on the budget’s growth, Gaylor Baird noted its increase from $261 million in the 2023 fiscal year, with an average rise of 6.4% since then. She emphasized that this steady growth facilitates stable community development.
“The proposed biennial budget builds on a really strong foundation of success that we together have achieved,” Gaylor Baird stated, highlighting the collaborative effort between the city’s executive and legislative branches.
The budget prioritizes five key areas:
- Ensuring the health and safety of Lincoln families
- Enhancing infrastructure for a resilient city
- Fostering economic opportunities and cultural vibrancy
- Improving quality of life for all residents
- Providing innovative and excellent service
Public safety remains a focal point, comprising 57% of the tax-funded budget in the first year and 58% in the second. The Lincoln Police Department is allocated $83 million for the initial half of the budget period, accounting for 26% of budget allocations, while Lincoln Fire and Rescue is set to receive $68 million, comprising 21%.
“As an organization, the city of Lincoln is uniquely positioned to protect the public and keep people safe,” Gaylor Baird remarked, reinforcing the city’s commitment to public safety as a top priority.
Investments in public safety will include adding more firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. Initially funded by SAFER and COPS grants, these positions will now be permanently funded by the city.
In addition to public safety, the budget includes funding for initiatives aimed at fostering an economically and culturally vibrant city. This includes the new central public library, described by Gaylor Baird as “a catalyst for innovation.” Other projects focus on downtown Lincoln, such as Canopy Yard with its skate park and Project O Street featuring a local music corridor.
The proposal also addresses affordable housing, continuing programs like the rental rehabilitation initiative, which aims to add over 200 rental units in the next two years. Casino revenue, projected at $2.2 million over the budget period, will help fund affordable housing, the new library, and offset any decline in keno revenue.
Support for seniors is another component, with expanded investments in Aging Partners, including enhanced services at Victory Park Center and additional meal services.
The environment is also a priority, with planned upgrades to the water system and the Water 2.0 initiative to secure an additional water source.
The budget proposal will be further discussed at a public hearing on August 3 during the City Council meeting, with a vote scheduled for August 24.
