Message from the City Manager Ken Striplin
Over the past six months, City staff has worked diligently to develop a proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget that reflects the priorities of the City Council while continuing to deliver the high level of service our residents expect. Despite an evolving economic landscape, Santa Clarita remains well-positioned thanks to our long-standing commitment to conservative financial practices.
The proposed budget totals approximately $361.4 million, a 4.9 percent increase over the current fiscal year. General Fund revenues are projected at $157.8 million, with expenditures at $157.4 million—resulting in a balanced budget that includes a modest operating surplus. We also continue to maintain a healthy emergency reserve equal to 20 percent of General Fund expenditures.
This year’s budget is guided by the City’s strategic framework, Santa Clarita Pathway Forward, and focuses on key areas that support our growing community.
Under Community Connections, funding is proposed to support operations at The Rink Sports Pavilion, enhance programming at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex and maintain parks, like the newly renovated David March Park. Investments in staffing and event support will ensure residents continue to enjoy high-quality recreation and community events.
In Planning and Economic Vitality, funding will support updates to the City’s General Plan and aerial mapping systems, helping us plan responsibly for future growth.
The Environmental Conservation and Beautification category includes investments in landscape maintenance, reforestation, open space preservation and waste diversion programs—reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and maintaining Santa Clarita’s natural beauty.
Significant investments are also proposed under Sustainable Public Infrastructure, including the replacement of transit vehicles, fleet equipment upgrades, facility repairs and long-overdue updates to the City’s traffic model. These improvements ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth and remains safe and efficient.
Santa Clarita continues to rank as one of the safest cities in the nation. Through special operations, targeted traffic enforcement, specialized deployments, the apprehension of suspects and public education and awareness efforts, our local sheriff personnel continue to do a tremendous job in keeping this community safe. In Public Safety and Resiliency, the budget maintains strong support for law enforcement services, animal care and new technologies like Automated License Plate Readers, which have already proven effective in enhancing public safety.
The proposed Capital Improvement Program totals $96.7 million and includes major projects such as Phase II of Via Princessa Park, a new parking structure on Main Street, roadway maintenance programs and upgrades to parks, facilities and public spaces throughout the City.
Santa Clarita’s financial strength remains a point of pride, underscored by our AAA credit rating—the highest possible designation. This proposed budget continues that legacy of fiscal responsibility while investing in the programs, services and infrastructure that make our community one of the best places to live.
The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 will be presented to the City Council for consideration later this month and posted on the City’s website for residents to review at SantaClarita.gov.
