The Most Significant Budget Modifications

The FY26 Operating Budget increased 3.8% from the FY25 Adopted Budget. This slight increase reflects the City’s aims to moderate budget growth this year while continuing to invest in important City initiatives. Some of the most significant areas contributing to this increase include:

• $12 million for additional funding for the School Department
• $11.3 million for increased salaries and wages
• $7.2 million for increased debt payments
• $1.7 million for new budgeted positions
• $1 million for Municipal Supportive Housing Vouchers
• $781,749 for new preschool classrooms at the Tobin School
• $495,000 for the Police Department’s new Body Worn Camera Program

The 19 new positions in the FY26 budget include 11 Tobin Preschool classroom staff, as well as new full-time positions in the Department of Human Service Programs, the Capital Buildings Department, the Housing Department, and the Police Department. Other increases to the budget fund an amended contract with the Cambridge Health Alliance, increased state assessments, increased Massachusetts Water Resources Authority costs, department reporting and organizational changes, preschool scholarships and meals, expanded inclusion services, and other funding to support City priorities.