At their May 13 meeting, the Novato City Council held a Budget Workshop to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budgets. This included discussion on the allocation of the $10.2 million in locally controlled Measure M revenue forecasted for the upcoming fiscal year.

Staff presented budget recommendations shaped by meaningful community input — gathered through surveys, workshops, meetings, and popup events — and aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan and Council goals. The City remains focused on reinvesting in Novato to ensure our community’s most critical needs are met.

Proposed Budget Priorities for Measure M Revenue:

• Stabilizing Core Services: Addressing the City’s structural budget deficit (approximately $3.8 million annually), restoring staffing levels, and enhancing services identified by our community — such as public safety, emergency response, road repair, park maintenance and local business support.
• Rebuilding Reserves: Strengthening financial reserves to ensure long-term resilience and the ability to navigate future economic challenges.
• Caring for Infrastructure: Investing in long-deferred maintenance projects to improve the safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness of public spaces and facilities.
• Planning for the Future: Proactively managing long-term financial obligations, including pension liabilities.
• Driving Innovation: Investing in technology and more efficient systems to enhance service delivery and reduce operational costs.

Get Involved

There’s still time to learn more about the budget and share your feedback. Join us at the following upcoming meetings:

• Finance Advisory Commission - Draft Budget Review
  June 5 at 8am
  City Administrative Offices, 2nd floor (922 Machin Avenue)
• City Council - Budget Hearing
  June 10 at 6pm
  City Hall (901 Sherman Avenue)
• City Council - Budget Adoption
  June 24 at 6pm
  City Hall (901 Sherman Avenue)

Learn more about the City’s budget process at novato.org/budget.