C I T Y O F C E DA R R A P I D S
Budget Summary FISCAL YEAR 2026 ( JULY 1, 2025 –JUNE 30, 2026)
What is the City Budget? The City Budget is Cedar Rapids’ yearly plan for how we use money to serve our community. The City balances its budget, meaning we do not spend more than we bring in.
BALANCED BUDGET
TOTAL FY26 BUDGET
Spending = Revenue
$866 MILLION
Planning the City Budget
FY27 BUDGET PUBLIC MEETINGS (TENTATIVE)
Work on City budgets begins up to two years before the money is spent. Each budget is finalized just months before a new Fiscal Year begins.
We invite the public to join us at City Hall (101 1st Street SE) for the upcoming budget meetings:
YOUR VOICE MATTERS We include the public’s priorities in many ways, including:
ANNUAL SURVEY December
PUBLIC HEARINGS March & April
Learn more at CityofCR.com/Budget.
MARCH 10, 2026 | NOON
Motion to hold Property Tax Public Hearing
MARCH 24, 2026 | 4PM
Public Hearing on Property Tax
APRIL 14, 2026 | NOON
Motion for Budget Adoption Public Hearing
APRIL 28, 2026 | 4PM
Public Hearing for Budget Adoption
How We Spend Money (FY26)
EXPENSE TERMS
Every dollar the City collects is allocated to services that keep Cedar Rapids safe, efficient, and prepared for future growth.
PUBLIC SAFETY — Police, Fire, Building Services, and Animal Control
expense plan: $866 MILLION public safety, 9% public works, 3% culture & Recreation, 3% business type, 52%
community & economic Development, 4% capital projects, 20%
General Government, 3% Debt Service, 5%
PUBLIC WORKS — Roads, bridges, sidewalks, and street lighting CULTURE & RECREATION — Parks, recreation, pools, and libraries
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — Community and economic development expenditures, including tax-increment financing GENERAL GOVERNMENT — Administrative areas like Finance, Information Technology, City Council, City Manager, etc.
DEBT SERVICE — Repaying principal and interest on tax-supported bonds or loans for major projects
CAPITAL PROJECTS — Paying for tax-supported improvements for major public infrastructure like roads, sewers, and parks BUSINESS TYPE — Utilities, Transit, Golf, Airport, Cedar Rapids-Linn County Solid Waste Agency, and entertainment venues