Brighton City Council adopted the 2026 budget at the Oct. 21 City Council meeting. The vote approved $279,681,910 across all 15 of the city’s operating, capital, and utility funds. 

Highlights of the budget include: 

• Over $3.5 million in approved grant funding, with more applications submitted that could result in additional funding 
• A continued focus on large capital projects, including the Recreation Center expansion, Rec Plex construction, Water Treatment Plant construction, and Sable Corridor improvements 
• $1.2 million in ongoing operating costs for three new buildings to support public safety, streets, utilities, and parks and open space maintenance 
• New positions to support the Rec Plex and Water Treatment Plant 
• Funding for the move and remodel of the Brighton City Museum to the 1886 Historic Church to provide better accessibility to the public

The 2026 budget runs from January to December 2026 and addresses key vision areas of the City Council’s strategic plan. As many local governments are seeing a decrease in sales tax that is projected to continue into future years, Brighton’s budget team has carefully reviewed projected economic indicators and has a built a strong budget for 2026 that considers revenue and economic expectations for the next 10 years. This budget sets the city up to accomplish necessary work for residents while allowing for fiscal sustainability and supporting required reserves across all funds.  

The full 2026 Budget Book will be available in January at https://www.brightonco.gov/3294/City-Budget. If you have questions, please contact Budget & Performance Manager Kathryn Mortensen at kmortensen@brightonco.gov.