Charlotte Proposes $4.49B Budget for 2027 Fiscal Year With Public Safety Focus

City Manager Marcus D. Jones unveiled a $4.49 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2027 to the Mayor and City Council on May 4. The proposal calls for a 1.89 cent property tax hike aimed at public safety. It represents a 10.5% jump in the General Fund from 2026.

"I am pleased to propose a balanced budget that not only invests in meeting the needs of our growing community with a specific focus in public safety but also positions our city to capitalize on the recent voter approved one-cent sales tax for mobility investments," Jones said in a statement, per Charlotte NC.gov.

Sworn Police personnel would receive a 10% pay raise under this plan. Sworn Fire personnel would get 7% more. All hourly workers will see a 4% bump through market rate adjustments and merit pools. The minimum wage for city employees will climb to $25 per hour, which brings full-time salaries to $52,000.

Public safety spending totals millions across several areas. Engine 46 at Miranda Road gets $2.3 million to speed up response times. Fire turnout gear receives $4 million. Police will get a new helicopter hangar for $10 million, with another $10 million slated for 2028.

Housing gets the largest bond in city history. A steady state Housing Bond from 2027 to 2031 will deliver $100 million each year. The 2026 Bond receives a one-time $25 million boost for anti-displacement work, hitting $125 million total.

Transportation funding swells through the new one-cent sales tax, generating $100 million in 2027. A second Transportation and Neighborhood Bond totals $300 million. This includes $60 million for resurfacing projects, $22 million for Vision Zero signal projects, and $10 million for bicycle facilities.

Small businesses and neighborhoods get support too. Business District Organizations receive $600,000. Neighbors Building Neighborhoods gets $500,000. Business Corridor revitalization grants total $500,000. Youth programs will see $500,000 for internships and $1.5 million for Road to Hire partnerships.

Two service fees will rise. Storm Water fees go up $0.48 monthly for typical customers. Water and Sewer fees climb $4.41 monthly.

Council holds a public hearing on May 11, followed by adjustments on May 18 and votes on June 1. The final adoption vote happens June 8. The fiscal year starts July 1.