2027 Budget

The City of Red Deer is currently developing the 2027 Operating, Capital and Utility Budgets.

The budget process helps determine how resources are allocated to deliver programs, services and infrastructure that support our community. Throughout the fall, budget recommendations will be presented to Council for review and public debate before final decisions are made. 

Budget 2027 is guided by Council's Financial Roadmap and Budget Guidelines, which focus on: 

  • Building Capacity 
  • Protecting Sustainability 
  • Delivering Value 

Where we are in the process 

Administration is currently: 

  • Reviewing financial assumptions and forecasts 
  • Assessing operational and infrastructure needs 
  • Developing budget recommendations 
  • Preparing information for Council's consideration 

No budget decisions have been made at this time. 

Why Is the budget process different this year? 

For Budget 2027, Council will consider the Utility, Capital and Operating Budgets separately, with dedicated release dates and public deliberations throughout the fall. 

This approach recognizes that each budget serves a different purpose while being closely connected to the City's overall financial picture. Separate budget debates provide Council additional time to review information, ask questions and consider options before decisions are made. 

Utility Budget 

Supports water, wastewater, electricity and waste management services. 

Capital Budget 

Funds major infrastructure, facility and equipment investments. 

Operating Budget 

Funds the day-to-day delivery of City programs and services. 

Budget timeline 

Utility Budget 

  • September 15, 2026 Budget released to Council and the public
  • September 29, 2026 Council debate and consideration 

Capital Budget 

  • September 29, 2026 Budget released to Council and the public 
  • October 13, 2026 Council debate and consideration 

Operating Budget 

  • November 10, 2026 Budget released to Council and the public 
  • November 23-27, 2026 Council debate and consideration 

How Budget Decisions Are Made 

Administration prepares budget recommendations for Council's consideration. 

Council reviews budget proposals, debates options during public meetings and makes the final decisions regarding service levels, investments and funding priorities. 

Property tax impacts for 2027 will not be known until Council reviews and deliberates on budget recommendations later this fall. 

All Council budget discussions are open to the public.

Understanding the budget

Creating a municipal budget means balancing the services our community relies on with the funding available to deliver them.

To help explain how The City’s budget works, you can explore:

These resources help show how City revenues support services like emergency services, roads, parks, recreation, transit, and more.

Latest news

September 1, 2026: Council approves MCAF changes to support future infrastructure investment
March 24, 2026: Council approves guidelines to shape 2027 budget development