Chandler City Council Begins Budget Cycle for 2028
City officials have officially initiated the planning process for the upcoming fiscal year 2028 budget cycle.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in City Hall
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The Chandler City Council has officially kicked off the budget planning process for fiscal year 2028. Budget Director Matt Dunbar led the initial work session to begin the cycle.
Why it matters
This planning phase establishes the financial roadmap for the city, dictating how municipal resources will be allocated for the upcoming fiscal period. It serves as the primary mechanism for aligning city spending with community priorities.
The fiscal year 2028 budget covers the period from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028. This upcoming cycle is expected to feature both differences and similarities compared to the fiscal year 2027 budget.
The players
Matt Dunbar
Matt Dunbar serves as the Budget Director for the City of Chandler and is responsible for managing the city's financial planning processes.
Chandler City Council
The Chandler City Council acts as the governing body for the city, responsible for enacting local ordinances and approving municipal budget expenditures.
The details
Budget Director Matt Dunbar hosted a work session to outline the scope and expectations for the upcoming fiscal year. This session marks the formal start of the council's legislative work to finalize the municipal financial plan.
Timeline
Fiscal year 2027 began on July 1, 2026.
Budget Director Matt Dunbar led the work session on October 12, 2026.
Fiscal year 2028 begins on July 1, 2027.
Fiscal year 2028 concludes on June 30, 2028.
Political Context
The budget cycle follows the Arizona state requirement for municipal budget transparency, which mandates public disclosure and work sessions before finalizing local spending plans. This formal process often faces pushback from advocacy groups demanding increased funding for public safety or infrastructure maintenance.
This planning phase determines how the city will prioritize funding for municipal services, potentially impacting local tax rates or the scope of public projects. Residents should monitor these sessions to understand how upcoming allocations may affect city services and local infrastructure.
The takeaway
The budget planning cycle is a multi-month endeavor that requires public oversight to ensure transparency in municipal operations. Residents are encouraged to review meeting minutes to stay informed about how city officials propose to balance the 2028 budget.
Further reading
For more information on the latest legislative developments, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Your Valley.
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