29 October 2026
Contact: Shannon Lam
Executive Assistant to the Mayor
slam@fairbanks.gov or 907 459-6793
Mayor Mindy O’Neall Releases City of Fairbanks Proposed 2027 Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Mayor Mindy O’Neall on Thursday released the City of Fairbanks’ proposed 2027 budget, a plan that holds government growth in check while prioritizing public safety, economic activity and long-term community affordability.
The budget proposes an estimated $685,750 in surplus, and maintains all required reserves, keeping the city debt-free despite inflationary pressures. O’Neall said the budget reflects the city’s commitment to focusing on essential services while limiting expansion of government operations.
“The most important part of my job is to keep our community safe and our services running smoothly” O’Neall said. “This budget directs resources to public safety, supports economic vitality, and protects affordability for Fairbanks families.”
The plan adds targeted staffing in legal support, information technology and police evidence management to strengthen operations without broadening the city’s overall footprint. Police and emergency communications staffing are expected to reach full strength next year, improving response capacity.
Other key operational priorities include continued downtown revitalization efforts, including storefront improvements and expanded activation and security at Golden Heart Plaza. Ongoing commitment to snow removal and road maintenance, as well as strengthened partnerships supporting homelessness response and behavioral health to reduce the pressures of first responders is also a part of the budget.
Although the capital budget shows a $15M decrease in proposed spending from 2026, the budget prioritizes essential infrastructure work, including road and sidewalk improvements, City Hall upgrades and matching funds for road infrastructure.
O’Neall said the city faces financially constrained years ahead as revenue growth stagnates and Risk Fund losses continue to affect cash flow. “The root cause is that our revenues are not keeping up with rising costs,” said Mayor O’Neall. “That’s an issue we have to figure out soon. We can’t keep expecting property owners to foot the bill alone.”
The Mayor will host a Budget Town Hall on November 10 at the Noel Wien Library from 5:30-7pm. For more information and to view the budget, visit the City of Fairbanks website at www.fairbanks.gov.
###
