Mayor Andrea Horwath invites residents to share their priorities for the 2026 tax budget

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton will launch a series of budget engagement opportunities this September to hear directly from residents on what matters most to them. Feedback gathered this fall will help inform decisions on the 2026 tax budget – helping to ensure the City continues to deliver high-quality services while keeping affordability top of mind.

Residents are invited to attend and learn about the budget planning process, how programs and services are prioritized and share their priorities to help guide planning for the 2026 tax budget.

“As Mayor, I know that Hamiltonians are facing real affordability challenges, and every budget decision we make has a direct impact on people’s lives, whether it’s housing, transit, roads or services in our neighbourhoods. That’s why this year, we’re offering more ways than ever for residents to get involved and share what matters most to them. From in-person sessions to online tools, this is your opportunity to help shape a budget that reflects our community’s values. Together, let’s build a 2026 budget that protects affordability, supports strong neighbourhoods and moves Hamilton forward - for everyone.”

Budget Engagement Opportunities 

From September 15 to October 10, 2025, residents can participate in several ways: 

• Attend an In-Person or Virtual Budget Engagement Session – Join us at a Budget Engagement Session to learn more about the City’s budget planning process, how programs and services are prioritized and have opportunities to share your priorities and ask questions. 
• 2026 Budget Survey – Take our budget survey online at engage.hamilton.ca/2026budget or during one of the in-person budget sessions.
• Online at Engage Hamilton:
  • Explore a variety of interactive tools on the City’s online engagement platform at engage.hamilton.ca/2026budget. From quick polls to idea sharing, your feedback will help us inform key priorities and better understand what matters most to the community. 
  • Use the Balancing Act Budget Tool to explore budget trade-offs and submit input.
• IDEAS Tool – Share your ideas, respond to others and give a thumbs up to the ones you like. 
• Delegation to Council – Residents can also Submit a Request to Speak at any Committee or Council Meeting including the Budget meetings which typically are in November and January. More information can be found here Request to Speak to a Committee of Council.

In-Person and Virtual Engagement Sessions Details

The City will be hosting six in-person sessions and one virtual session. Each session will include remarks from Mayor Horwath, a presentation from our Finance team and a Q&A. Members of Council will be present to engage in informal conversations during and after the session and the City’s leadership team will also be available to meet with residents and answer questions pertaining to their program areas. The sessions will also include engagement stations to provide residents with opportunities to submit feedback, complete the Budget Survey and explore interactive tools, including the Balancing Act Budget Tool and quick polls.