From Sunday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 12. For public safety, certain hiking trails are restricted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington Statement on Approved FY 2026-27 City Budget
“Today was an important first step in approving a budget that was built by the community. Residents across Phoenix shared their priorities at budget hearings and in conversations throughout District 8. Their voices shaped the investments we approved to make the City more responsive and to address cost-of-living concerns.”
Vice Mayor Hodge Washington was especially pleased with the budget’s major investment of $6.6M in the Housing Trust Fund, which is one of her top priorities.
“One of the most important components of this year’s budget is the continued investment in the City’s Housing Trust Fund. Since joining the City Council, I have led the creation of the Housing Trust Fund. Increasing its total resources to $15M represents a significant milestone in my work to expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. This remains one of my highest priorities because it gives us real tools to increase attainable housing, prevent displacement, and support working families.”
As part of the City’s strategy to address homelessness, the budget includes $12.9M to continue shelter operations and $2.5M for a master leasing pilot program, which is a strategy Vice Mayor Hodge Washington has consistently championed.
“I am proud of the inclusion of the master leasing pilot program, which will provide fast, practical relief for residents who are too often locked out of the housing market. Master leasing allows the City or nonprofit partners to lease units directly from landlords and sublease them to residents overcoming barriers like credit challenges, prior evictions, or income instability. This pilot will help stabilize individuals exiting homelessness now while freeing up shelter space and reducing strain on our emergency response systems.”
Recognizing the rising cost of living, including childcare, the approved budget will make significant investments to provide solutions that address residents’ affordability concerns.
“I also heard from many families about the rising cost of living in Phoenix, which is why this budget includes $5M to help bring down childcare costs and support working parents including support for SNAP navigation services. Additional supportive investments include $3.15M in emergency assistance, and nearly $1M in expanded teen services and affordable programming to help families, strengthen opportunities, and improve affordability across our community.”
The Vice Mayor also highlighted important improvements in District 8 that she worked to include in the approved budget.
“District 8 residents consistently advocated for safer parks, expanded youth opportunities, and more accessible community programs. This budget delivers real improvements that families will feel every day by:
- Implementing security lighting enhancements at Hilaria Rodriguez Park;
- Adding new recreation staff for the Esteban Park Recreation Center;
- Expanding Saturday hours at the South Phoenix Youth Center;
- Enhancing programming for youth and teens at Eastlake Community Center and Harmon Park Recreation Center; and,
- Improving program affordability at the Laveen Community Center.
These investments will make a real difference to the day-to-day lives of the families and young people who rely on these spaces.
I want to thank every resident who took the time to attend a hearing, submit comments, or speak with me directly throughout this process. I also appreciate the work of City staff, the City Manager, Mayor Gallego and my colleagues on the Council. Together, we crafted a budget that strengthens our neighborhoods, expands housing affordability, invests in youth and families, and addresses the needs of Phoenix residents.”
The Mayor and City Council will vote to adopt the FY2026-27 tentative budget ordinance on June 3, the FY2026-27 funding plan and final budget ordinance on June 17, and the FY2026-27 property tax levy ordinance on July 1, 2026.
Media Contact
Adam Waltz
City Council Public Information Officer
Call: 602-781-1334
Email: adam.waltz@phoenix.gov
