Anaheim has unveiled its budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, totaling $2.4 billion, which represents a 4 percent increase from the previous year. The budget outlines $800 million in spending on daily life and major improvement projects while addressing near-term fiscal challenges.
The city council adopted the budget on Tuesday, maintaining Anaheim’s extensive city services despite financial challenges. A projected deficit of $63.9 million is anticipated due to declining revenue from hotel stays and rising costs. However, no service cuts or tax increases are planned.
To balance the budget while maintaining services, Anaheim will utilize several one-time funding sources: $33.6 million from bonds issued in 2021, $20.3 million from the sale of a parking structure in 2024, and $10 million previously set aside for debt reduction.
The city’s total budget includes a general fund of $527.2 million and a capital improvement program of $268.6 million, marking respective increases of 7 percent and 15 percent over last year.
Anaheim’s enterprise funds amount to $968 million and cover operations such as water and electricity services through Anaheim Public Utilities, along with management of facilities like the Anaheim Convention Center.
Nearly 65 percent of the general fund is allocated to public safety services including police and fire departments. The police department staffing stands at an all-time high with 430 sworn officers, while Anaheim Fire & Rescue employs 248 firefighters and paramedics.
Community Services oversees parks, community centers, and libraries with a budget allocation of $79 million dedicated to improvements such as upgrades at Boysen Park and development of River Park.
Anaheim anticipates future revenue growth through expansions like OCVibe around Honda Center and DisneylandForward around theme parks.
“Unlike other cities,” officials state that “Anaheim’s challenge is temporary.” By 2027, it expects to pay off bonds issued in 1997 for The Anaheim Resort expansion freeing up significant revenue resources for future use.
