Fiscal Year 2026-2028 Biennial Budget
Summary
Riverside is staring down a $27 million deficit in year one and $34 million in year two. The adopted budget freezes 38 positions, trims services modestly, uses reserves, and relies on a 5.7% fee increase — no layoffs, but staff admit the real pain is internal workload. If revenues don't rebound, year-two cuts to police and fire budgets could follow.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Sep 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
Closes a $27M year-one deficit; freezes 38 positions; relies on $9.56M of reserves and $862K in new fee revenue.
Residents keep core services with no layoffs, but anyone using parks, permits, or city services pays slightly higher fees.
City staff absorb heavier workloads from frozen positions, and some park programs and services face reduced coverage.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Budget Engagement Commission — September 10, 2026
The commission was set to discuss what it can actually weigh in on under the City Charter and Municipal Code Chapter 2.90. That shapes how much influence residents' budget advisory body really has.
City Council — June 23, 2026
Riverside is staring down a $27 million deficit in year one and $34 million in year two. The adopted budget freezes 38 positions, trims services modestly, uses reserves, and relies on a 5.7% fee increase — no layoffs, but staff admit the real pain is internal workload. If revenues don't rebound, year-two cuts to police and fire budgets could follow.
City Council — May 19, 2026
A proposed update to city fees for 2026-28, plus a new rule to raise fees each year automatically with inflation (CPI). A public hearing is set for June 23, so residents can weigh in before it's adopted.
Budget Engagement Commission — May 14, 2026
The City's proposed two-year budget was up for Commission review, along with community feedback, survey results, and deficit-solving measures. What the Commission says could shape what the City Council ultimately adopts — affecting services residents rely on.
Finance Committee — April 20, 2026
The city's next two-year budget was up for review, including how to close projected deficits and what new spending to add. The Measure Z spending plan and resident feedback from budget forums and an online survey were part of the presentation.
Budget Engagement Commission — April 9, 2026
Riverside is planning its next two-year budget, including the General Fund that pays for day-to-day services and the Measure Z sales tax dollars that fund community priorities. The workshop covered deficit-solving measures, proposed augmentations, and what residents told the city through its budget survey.
Budget Engagement Commission — February 12, 2026
The city's FY 2025/26 first-quarter financial report came with a request for $1.83 million in supplemental appropriations and a $617,533 transfer between funds. These mid-year moves affect which city services get funded.
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