By Robert Haugh

Santa Clara’s proposed budget continues City Hall’s spending growth.

Last night, the City staff presented the proposed FY 2026/27 and FY 2027/28 budgets at a City Council study session. 

The proposed FY 2026/27 budget totals $1.67 billion, including $1.31 billion in operating expenses and $358.8 million in capital projects.

The proposed General Fund budget for FY 2026/27 is $365.4 million. That is $22.4 million higher than the $343 million budget that was previously adopted for the same year.

The budget also grows the city workforce.

The proposed budget adds 30.25 positions compared with the FY 2026/27 budget approved last June. New positions are proposed in Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Silicon Valley Power, Human Resources, the City Manager’s Office and the Library Department.

The highest paid City Manager’s Office in Santa Clara history would receive one new position.

The new budget comes after voters approved Measure I in November 2024. Measure I authorized $400 million in general obligation bonds for city infrastructure projects.

Measure I money is now moving into the city’s capital budget. 

The proposed Capital Improvement Program includes $593.1 million in capital spending over the next two years and $1.11 billion over five years.

The Council is scheduled to hold budget study sessions on May 5 (last night) and May 19. 

A public hearing and budget adoption are scheduled for June 9.