City seeks resident input on $300+ million spending plan for next fiscal year
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — City officials will present their proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year to residents next week, opening the floor for questions and feedback on how the city plans to spend tax dollars over the next year.
The public meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Emergency Operations Center inside the Simi Valley Police Department at 3901 Alamo Street. City staff will walk through budget priorities, planned capital improvement projects and key financial decisions before taking comments from attendees.
"Developing the city's budget is about balancing today's service needs with long-term planning and fiscal responsibility," said City Manager Samantha Argabrite. "This meeting gives the public an opportunity to understand the proposed budget better and learn about upcoming projects and priorities."
The city's annual budget serves as the legal framework for municipal spending, determining everything from police staffing levels to road repairs. Last year, officials approved a $316 million total budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which included a General Fund operating budget of approximately $97 million in revenue and $96.7 million in expenditures.
The upcoming fiscal year runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The May 21 meeting represents the formal start of the city's budget adoption process, which concludes when the City Council votes on the final spending plan during their June 8 meeting.
Residents will have multiple ways to review the proposed budget before Thursday's meeting. The document becomes available Monday, May 18, on the city's website at simivalley.org. Physical copies will be available for review at City Hall on Tapo Canyon Road and at the public library, with printed copies available for purchase at City Hall.
The meeting format allows residents to ask specific questions about spending decisions and voice concerns about city priorities. Staff will document all public input and forward comments to the City Council for consideration during budget deliberations.
City budgets translate policy goals into concrete services that affect daily life. Funding decisions determine how many officers patrol neighborhoods, how quickly potholes get fixed and other essential services. About 40 percent of the general funds goes to police services. The capital improvement portion of the budget outlines major infrastructure projects planned over the next five years.
The public input session reflects the city's commitment to budget transparency and community engagement. Officials established the meeting format to encourage resident participation in financial planning and create opportunities for open discussion about municipal priorities.
For residents unable to attend Thursday's meeting, the proposed budget documents will remain available for review throughout the adoption process. The City Council's June 8 meeting, where final budget approval takes place, also includes time for public comment.
The Emergency Operations Center location provides adequate space for community participation while maintaining accessibility for residents wanting to engage with the budget process. Parking is available at the police department facility.
For more information, visit the city's website at simivalley.org/.
