Your Money. Your Voice. Your Vote.
Houston's Fiscal Year 2027 budget process is underway. City Hall workshops are being held now, and public town halls are your opportunity to weigh in before the City Council votes.
May 5
Mayor John Whitmire released a proposed $7.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027 on May 5, 2026, aimed at addressing a $170+ million deficit without raising the property tax rate
15+ Department Sessions
Department sessions are held by the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, featuring over 15+ department budget workshops running from early May to mid-May, with a public hearing on May 20 and a final vote scheduled for June 3, 2026
FY27 BUDGET WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
MAY 6
2 PM • Five-Year Forecast
& Budget Overview
MAY 12
9 AM • Finance
10 AM • Fleet
1 PM • General Services
MAY 13
1:30 PM • Planning
2:30 PM • Housina
3:30 PM • Airports
MAY 14
9 AM • Health
10 AM • Municipal Courts
1:30 PM • Information Technology
2:30 PM • Regulatory Affairs
3:30 PM • Humans Resources
MAY 15
9 AM • Parks
10 AM • Neighborhoods
11 AM • Legal
MAY 18
9 AM • Mayor's Office
9:30 AM • City Council
10AM • Business Opportunity
1:30 PM • Solid Waste
2:30 PM • Public Works
3:30 PM • Fire
MAY 19
9 AM • Controller's Trends Report & Office Budget
10 AM • Library
11 AM • Police
MAY 20
9 AM • PUBLIC HEARING
Anna Russell Council Chamber,
900 Bagby, 77002, 2nd Floor
WANT TO SPEAK BEFORE CITY COUNCIL?
Any citizen may speak before the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee sign up to give comment during Tuesdays City Council Sessions.
HOW TO REGISTER:
To speak, you must register a day prior to the scheduled session.
To Speak during a Tuesday City Council Meeting:
Call: 832-393-1100
Email: speakers@houstontx.gov
In person: Office of the City Secretary City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, Room P101, Public Level
Department-by-department presentations before City Council's
buacer a riscal Atrairs committee. Open to the public. All sessions at Houston City Hall unless otherwise noted.
BUDGET TOWNHALL WITH COUNCIL MEMBER ALCORN & CASTILLO
Council Members Sallie Alcorn and Mario Castillo are pleased to host an in-person and virtual Budget Town Hall to ensure neighbors have a direct and accessible opportunity to engage with their local government regarding the City of Houston's fiscal budget.
MAY 20
9 AM - PUBLIC HEARING Anna Russell Council Chamber,
900 Bagby, 77002, 2nd Floor
6PM - VIRTUAL BUDGET TOWNHALL
Unsure of how to testify?
Before you head to Houston City Council to share your story, download our free testimony worksheet to help you organize your thoughts and speak with impact.
Who Does What in
the Budget Process
Four key offices shape Houston's annual budget. Understanding each role helps you know where to direct your voice — and what each official is accountable for.
The Mayor proposes the city's annual budget and sets the fiscal agenda for all departments. The FY27 budget was released May 5 with a proposed $7.5 billion plan addressing a $170M+ deficit.
- Submits the proposed FY27 budget to City Council
- Sets spending priorities across all city departments
- Negotiates with department heads on funding levels
- Has line-item veto power over Council amendments
Affairs Committee
This Council subcommittee runs the department-by-department hearings happening right now and makes formal budget recommendations to the full Council before the vote.
- Chaired by CM Sallie Alcorn (At-Large, Position 5)
- Co-Chaired by CM Mario Castillo (District H)
- Runs the May 6–20 workshop sessions at City Hall
- Scrutinizes line items and questions department heads
- Issues formal recommendations before the full Council vote
An independently elected official, not part of the Mayor's team, who audits city finances and publicly holds the budget to account. Does not vote, but carries major public influence.
- Independently elected — not appointed by the Mayor
- Audits city finances and certifies revenue projections
- Can publicly flag if the numbers don't add up
- Hosting the LWVH Reality Check Town Halls for residents
The full Council debates amendments and casts the final vote on the budget after receiving the Mayor's proposal and committee recommendations. Must pass a budget by June 30.
- 11 district members + 5 at-large members (16 total)
- Holds public hearings — your testimony matters here
- Can reduce or reallocate line items
- Public Hearing: May 20, 9 AM — Anna Russell Council Chamber
- Final vote scheduled for June 3, 2026
Reality Check
Town Halls Independent Budget Events for Houston Residents
to attend these events
Icehouse
Houston, TX 77055
Town Hall
Houston, TX 77037
