Carney Signs FY 2026 Budget, Citing Shared Vision For Neighborhood Investment And Public Safety

Mayor John Carney with City Council members signing Wilmington’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. (Photo credit: WITNChannel22)

WILMINGTON — Mayor John Carney has signed the City of Wilmington’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget ordinance, finalizing a spending plan that channels significant funding toward public safety, affordable housing, and neighborhood development. 

READ: Wilmington Council approves budget despite concerns over spending, utility costs

The budget includes targeted investments in several priority areas:

• Affordable Housing: $2 million in capital funds will go toward building and rehabilitating housing units.
• Neighborhood Development: A $2.5 million allocation will support the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund, including $500,000 for the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank. The rest will fund home repair programs, alleyway cleanups, and tree removal efforts, with a focus on engaging minority contractors.
• Support for Small and Minority-Owned Businesses: An additional $350,000 will be added to the Economic Development Strategic Fund.
• Public Safety: The city will invest $4 million to launch a municipally operated ambulance service and support evidence-based policing practices.
• Infrastructure: Capital funds will support street and sidewalk repairs, stormwater system upgrades, and park improvements.
• Senior Tax Relief: The budget expands the city’s property tax exemption for residents age 65 and older living at or below the federal poverty level.
  

“This budget is about putting our values into action,” Carney said. “We’re building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Wilmington—one that delivers for every resident.”

At the signing, Carney said the budget reflects shared priorities and invests in the areas that matter to residents.

“We’re focusing on neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and essential services, while keeping taxes stable and supporting seniors,” he said. “Together, we’re building a Wilmington that works for everyone.”

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Councilwoman Michelle Harlee, who chairs the Finance Committee, praised the collaborative process between Council and the administration.

“I’m excited for a number of reasons over this particular budget,” Harlee said. “It is a very much shared vision between the mayor, the administration, and the members of City Council. I’m very, very excited about the investments that are going to take place in our communities and around the city of Wilmington.”

The administration emphasized that the FY26 plan was developed in close coordination with Council members and community stakeholders. 

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.