Media Release
City begins 2027 budget process with forecast focused on affordability and essential services
HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton has released its 2027 Budget Forecast, providing an early look at the financial pressures, priorities and choices that will shape the City’s budget as the process begins.
The financial forecast has improved, but significant pressures remain. The Budget Forecast reflects the cost of maintaining current services and service levels, inflation, infrastructure needs and priorities such as housing, community well-being and safety.
The Budget Forecast is a starting point for the 2027 budget process, not the final budget. It will continue to evolve as the budget process moves forward, with opportunities for residents to provide input as Council considers the choices and trade-offs involved.
Understanding the budget forecast
The Budget Forecast helps Council and the public understand the financial pressures and choices ahead, including how service levels and investment priorities may influence taxes. It demonstrates the City’s commitment to balancing affordability with essential investments in core services and it considers the ongoing impact of limited growth in non-property tax or water user fee revenues and the importance of long-term financial stability.
“The 2027 Budget Forecast gives Council an early understanding of the financial environment we are working within,” said Acting City Manager Mike Zegarac. “The improved outlook is positive, but it does not eliminate the pressures associated with maintaining services, managing infrastructure and responding to community needs. As the budget develops, we will continue to identify opportunities, assess the impacts of different choices and provide Council with the information needed to make informed decisions.”
The Budget Forecast identifies several areas where financial pressures and investment priorities will need to be considered, including:
- Infrastructure Enhancement: Investing in roads, transit, public buildings, recreation facilities and other infrastructure that residents rely on every day.
- Community Well-Being and Safety: Supporting paramedic, police and fire services, facilities and equipment to help maintain safe and reliable emergency response.
- Economic Stability and Development: Strengthening Hamilton's economy by supporting growth, investment and local businesses.
- Responding to the Housing Crisis: Continuing investments in affordable housing, homelessness services and housing stability supports.
- Advancing Customer Experience and Transparency: Improving access to City services and information while strengthening transparency and accountability.
- Building Better and Stronger: Modernizing City systems and infrastructure to improve reliability, resilience and service delivery.
Public engagement
The City will provide opportunities for residents to learn more about the budget process, understand the choices involved and provide input as the budget process moves forward. The City is committed to a transparent process that helps residents better understand the financial pressures and priorities shaping Hamilton’s future.
Quick Facts
- The 2027 Budget Forecast is a preliminary forecast, not a finalized budget.
- The financial forecast has improved, but significant financial pressures remain.
- The forecast reflects the cost of maintaining current services and service levels, inflation, infrastructure needs and other financial pressures facing the City.
- The Budget Forecast considers priorities including infrastructure, housing, community well-being and safety.
- Council will consider options to manage the forecast, with choices involving trade-offs related to affordability, services and investment priorities.
- The Budget Forecast is based on information available as of mid-July 2026 and will continue to evolve through the budget process.
Additional Resources
Tags
City & Council
Budget & Finance
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