Mayor John Carney presented Wilmington’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget and Water/Sewer/Stormwater Utility Budget during his budget address to Wilmington City Council on Thursday, May 20, 2025.

The FY2024 operating budget was approved by Wilmington City Council on May 18, 2023, and will take effect on July 1, 2023.

Watch Mayor Purzycki's Budget Address and

Read the supporting documents.

NOTE: These documents should be viewed in the Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat app. Page numbers may be displayed incorrectly if viewed in a web browser.

Learn more about how the City budgets for expected revenues and expenditures. Visit this link to open the City's OpenGov Annual Operating Budget portal.

The budget reflects the priorities of Wilmington residents, who overwhelmingly voiced their concerns about public safety, clean streets, and the need for responsive government services.

The proposed budget also included:

• an investment of $2.5 million in neighborhood stabilization including funding to continue the home repair program and to initiate a pilot program for alleyway cleanup
• an increase of $754,000 to cover the cost of consultants to help with information technology infrastructure and individuals needed to help facilitate the police and fire department promotional program.
• an increase of $225,000 to the Office of Cultural Affairs to support existing efforts such as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and other community-based events.
• an additional $100,000 to support Wilmington’s Clean Team initiative.
• an appropriation of $115,000 to continue the Wilmington Police Department’s license plate recognition program
• over $300,000 in support for the community food program to continue bringing quality food to Wilmington’s youth