On November 19, 2024, the Kennewick City Council adopted the City’s 2025/2026 Biennial Budget, a comprehensive financial plan that reflects the Council’s commitment to addressing community priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The adopted budget totals $455.5 million across all funds, including an operating budget of $146 million for the General and Street Funds.
Crafted through the Budgeting by Priorities model, the 2025/2026 budget aligns with the City Council’s five key priority areas:
- Community Safety
- Economic Development
- Infrastructure & Growth
- Quality of Life
- Responsible Government
“This budget is a strategic plan that focuses on delivering more than 300 essential services while preparing our community for future growth and opportunities,” said City Manager Erin Erdman. “Through months of collaboration, Council and staff have worked diligently to create a budget that supports the needs of our residents while ensuring financial sustainability now and for the future.”
The budget development process began in May 2024 with a Council retreat to reaffirm priority areas and goals. Throughout the summer and fall, the City conducted workshops, reviewed major revenue and expenditure assumptions, and sought public input during two preliminary budget hearings on November 5 and November 19.
Key Highlights of the 2025/2026 Budget:
- Community Safety: Continued investment in police and fire resources to enhance public safety services for residents and businesses.
- Economic Development: Support for public-private partnerships, including projects like Convention Center expansion and Vista Field development, aimed at creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
- Infrastructure & Growth: Planned improvements to critical infrastructure, including road widening projects, water system upgrades, and future biosolid repurposing initiatives.
- Quality of Life: Enhanced parks, playgrounds, and community events to enrich recreational opportunities and bring residents together.
- Responsible Government: Transparent and efficient financial planning that maintains high-quality services.
The City’s approach to long-term financial planning includes a Six-Year Capital Improvement Program (2025-2030) to support infrastructure and economic development projects that will benefit Kennewick for years to come.
Click here to view the adopted Proposed 2025/2026 Biennial Budget.