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Mayor Aftab Pureval has unveiled the proposed Cincinnati budget FY26, and it’s clear one priority stands out above all: basic needs. With new funding from the recent sale of the Cincinnati Southern Railway, the administration is tackling infrastructure, parks, and homelessness head-on — all while funding new public services hires.
Cincinnati Budget Big Picture: $772 Million in All Funds
The proposed fiscal year 2026-27 biennial budget totals $772.2 million, a 24.5% increase compared to FY25. It includes both operating and capital spending, with a significant boost to existing infrastructure across the city.
City Manager Sheryl Long summarized it well, stating, “The budget is where we demonstrate our values… safety of our residents and investments in equitable economic growth.”
1. Potholes & Roads: Fixing What’s Broken
Thanks to the Southern Railway trust fund, Cincinnati is poised to spend a record $80.1 million on basic infrastructure in FY26 — up from the $50 million average.
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$34.8 million on Transportation & Engineering
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$7.6 million in Recreation maintenance
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$7.2 million for parks and rec improvements
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$6.4 million on Public Services, including snow removal and pothole repair
Councilmember Jeff Cramerding noted $35 million of railway funds will go toward fixing roads and bridges — the top complaint among Cincinnatians.
2. Greener Cincinnati Budget: Parks & Recreation Investment
The FY26 plan allocates citywide and restricted funds toward park maintenance and improvements. Highlights include:
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Upgrades to Dunham Recreation Center in West Price Hill ($2.4M)
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Support for equipment, ADA accessibility, and program facilities
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A broader commitment to recapitalize recreation alongside rail trust infrastructure
These investments align with Pureval’s pledge to prioritize neighborhood-level amenities — not just downtown glitter.
3. Homeless Support: New Daytime Center in Queensgate
A significant $5.5 million is proposed to purchase a building at 760 W. 5th Street, near Shelterhouse in Queensgate, for use as a year-round daytime homeless center.
City Manager Sheryl Long emphasized it will serve dual purposes: a dedicated service hub and emergency warming/cooling shelter, easing pressure on recreation spaces during extreme weather.
4. Public Services Expansion: Zeroing In on Streets
The budget also includes
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$56 million from the railroad trust matched by other capital funds
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Hiring for three police recruit classes over two years
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Investment in public services hiringand technology for snow removal, signage, and street maintenance
This marks a shift toward coming back to basics: safety and street upkeep.
Why This Matters to Cincinnati Locals
Residents continue to complain about crumbling streets, aging parks, and limited homeless resources. Post-pandemic federal dollars have dried up, so local revenue streams matter more than ever.
This budget shows leaders listening to everyday needs and acting on them.
It may not be as flashy as downtown development or headline-grabbing initiatives, but it’s fundamental to livability.
What’s Next in the Process?
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City Council hearings begin June–July
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Council votes in late summer
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New budget likely effective July 1, FY26
Public input sessions are scheduled — you can weigh in on issues that affect your neighborhood.
