On Nov. 25, 2024, Burlington City Council completed their deliberations on the 2025 budget during a Special Council Meeting. Built on four guiding principles—affordability, livability, sustainability, and transparency—the budget addresses immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term growth and resilience.

The 2025 budget strikes a balance between maintaining fiscal responsibility and investing in essential services and infrastructure. Key funding has been allocated for initiatives such as the low-income property tax relief program, fee subsidies, flood relief, and green infrastructure projects, ensuring income is not a barrier to participation and preparing the city for future climate challenges. Investments also include improvements to transit, road maintenance, parks, and recreation facilities to enhance daily life in Burlington.

Public feedback informed the development of this budget, providing valuable insights into residents’ priorities and concerns. Through surveys, meetings, focus groups, and events like Food for Feedback, more than 4,500 interactions with residents provided meaningful responses. Input from the community highlighted the need to focus on “needs,” not “wants,” and this budget does just that—giving priority to core services like public safety, transit, and infrastructure.

Full story from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward