TAMPA, Fla. — Happening today, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is presenting her eighth and final proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

A wide array of priorities is expected to be highlighted in the mayor’s presentation, including public safety, infrastructure upkeep, and storm resiliency projects. This marks Mayor Castor’s final budget proposal before her term ends in May.

According to the mayor’s office, the total fiscal year budget is just under $2.04 billion, a slight increase from this year’s $1.99 billion. Funds that will be going toward affordable housing and infrastructure to name a few.

During her State of the City address in May, Mayor Castor pointed out how the administration and city council have invested more than $3 billion toward wastewater projects and major flood control improvements. Replacing 80 to 100-year-old water and wastewater pipes.

Inflation, Castor said, is something the city will have to grapple with. Since 2017, the cost of asphalt has risen 50%, concrete as much as 70% and stormwater pipes as much as 90%.

As for affordable housing, Castor says they have invested more than $100 million with little aid from the state. Adding 23,000 homes with more than 8,300 affordable units completed or underway. Projects like the Marquee, Rome Yard, West River and North Downtown are a few examples.

“I am happy to say that right now we have hit a goal of 8,300,” said Castor, back in May. “We’re not, by next year, going to be able to hit that 10,000 goal, but certainly I believe in setting the bar as high as possible and doing everything you can to reach that goal.”

Next year’s budget is prepared for the passage of Proposal 3 in November. That’s the governor’s property tax ballot.

The budget is not impacted by the proposal but is prepared for its potential passage. Castor says they have increased reserves of the General Fund to offset any decreases in property tax revenues.

This won’t be the end, just yet, for the city’s budget. Detailed council reviews and workshops are scheduled throughout the month of August with the first public workshop taking place this Monday.

The final city budget must be voted on and adopted before October 1.