Mayor Ballantyne Delivers FY26 Budget With Major Investments in Schools, Services, and a Sustainable Future

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Somerville City Council passed the Ballantyne administration’s $380.1 million Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) operating budget. The FY26 budget protects vital services, advances key initiatives, and once again significantly invests in Somerville’s schools, workforce, and infrastructure, despite a challenging economic landscape affecting communities across the Commonwealth.

“While many cities are scaling back, we’re able to stay the course and choose progress thanks to careful planning and fiscal strategy,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “This budget protects your core services—your road repairs, your recycling pickup, your librarians, your rec programs—while also delivering bold action on schools, housing, climate, and equity. Our finances are stable, our focus is clear, and with this vote, we’re ready to turn these plans into action.”

Investing in Education and the Next Generation

The FY26 budget process also included passage of the FY26 school budget, marking a 7.4% increase in school funding all told, totaling nearly $8 million in new investments. This marks a 34% increase in Somerville Public Schools funding since Mayor Ballantyne took office. 

The $112 million school budget includes:

• A $1.5 million fund for healthy salary increases for teachers, paraprofessionals, liaisons, and administrators under a newly ratified union contract.
• A 5.2% increase in base school funding.
• An additional $750,000 in targeted reserves to support school operations.

These investments help protect against staff cuts seen in other districts, improve compensation for educators and support staff, and expand student support services.

Protecting Services and Building for the Future

Even as rising costs and reduced new growth posed challenges, the Ballantyne administration avoided layoffs and major cuts. Through a combination of careful reserve use, a partial hiring freeze, and department-level efficiencies, the budget closed a $4 million gap without reducing resident-facing services.

FY26 budget highlights include:

• Emergency Services & Infrastructure: Upgraded dispatch and traffic signal systems for faster emergency response; investments in fire stations and critical water infrastructure
• Climate Action: A curbside composting pilot for 1,000 households, permanent removal of rodenticides, and continued progress on 77 climate goals, including geothermal exploration
• Housing & Equity: A new Permanent Supportive Housing Task Force, funds to advance 976 affordable units, and staff to support homelessness response and inclusive permitting
• Community & Culture: Expanded youth and senior programming, continued progress toward public ownership of the Armory as an arts center, and upgrades to parks and public spaces

A Budget Built on Stability and Vision

Somerville’s FY26 financial plan reflects both discipline and ambition. The City’s AAA bond rating helped keep borrowing costs low, while strategic planning and long-term community-driven goal setting including SomerVision (somervision2040.com) built conditions that allowed for continued progress in a tightening economy.

“I won’t sugar coat it. Federal uncertainty looms, the economy is slowing, and costs are rising. We are navigating serious headwinds. This budget however offers a blueprint for how we can best meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “We’re showing that with the right vision, strong partnerships, and a bit of creativity, cities can lead even in tough times.”

To learn more about the FY26 budget, visit somervillema.gov/budget.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.