Mayor Ed Gainey's office released its proposed budget for 2026. In what was projected to be a lean year, the mayor's office is not laying anyone off or raising taxes.

According to the mayor's budget, 50 vacant positions will be eliminated to save some money. City leaders said consistent reassessments are needed to help keep property tax revenues from falling. The city projects revenues will be about $680.5 million, with expenses being $680 million.

For several years, 2026 has been projected to be one of the lean years for the city's budget as the American Rescue Plan money came to an end. Raising taxes was on the table but ultimately wasn't chosen.

"We were able, when we added 2030 to the five-year forecast, to solve with current spending adjustments and thus not need to propose a

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