Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird presents proposed budget for the 2026-2028 fiscal year

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird unveiled her proposed 2026-2028 fiscal year budget on Monday.

Gaylor Baird said her main idea for the budget is to keep Lincoln safe, strong and growing.

“Lincoln residents count on excellent city services that make life better today, and this budget will do that and position our community for an even more prosperous future,” said Gaylor Baird.

The proposed budget totals more than $316 million in tax-funded spending during the first year, and more than $334 million in the second.

Gaylor Baird said the property tax rate will remain the same.

34% of the proposed budget comes from property taxes, 35% comes from sales tax, and 29% from fees and other resources.

The majority of funds, 57%, will go toward public safety.

“This proposed budget continues solid investment in public safety that looks like adding police officers, adding firefighters, paramedics and EMTs,” Gaylor Baird said. “Adding another ambulance and medic unit, and continuing to make sure that we have partnerships that also promote the safety, no matter what kind of emergency need our community members have.”

The budget also directs funding toward Lincoln’s infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, water, affordable housing and community partnerships.

10% will be allocated to Lincoln Parks and Recreation, with 5% allocated to Lincoln’s libraries.

Through projects like the new Central Library, Project O Street, Canopy Yard and the Multi-Modal Transportation Center, Gaylor Baird said her emphasis on improving the quality of life is made possible.

“I am so proud that we are continuing our foundation of success with this budget as we grow an even safer, stronger, more successful community,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of things to be excited about in Lincoln. We’re making some major civic investments that will grow quality of life and economic opportunity for our community members for generations to come.”

There will be a public hearing on the mayor’s budget on August 3.

The City Council will vote to approve the budget on August 24, and it will start on September 1.