Brooklyn Park Approves 2026 Budget Focused on Public Safety, Growth and Essential Infrastructure
Brooklyn Park’s 2026 budget, approved by the City Council on December 8, focuses on strengthening public safety, modernizing infrastructure, and preparing the city for future growth.
Key investments include:
- Six full-time firefighters to meet increased demands for service and enhance public safety.
- Adding drone technology that can be deployed immediately to emergencies, providing real time video to police and fire in the newly built operations center for a faster and safer response.
- An asset management system to help Operations & Maintenance (Public Works) better plan for future equipment needs and improved delivery of services such as snow plowing.
- Construction of a water tower that is needed to support new development in the BioTech Innovation District.
Fire Chief Shawn Conway emphasized that the additional firefighters are essential to maintaining the department’s ability to protect the community. “Every day, our firefighters stand ready to protect the people who live, work, and raise families in our community. Investing in our fire department isn’t just about equipment or buildings, it’s about making a difference by ensuring help arrives quickly when someone is scared, hurt, or facing one of the worst moments of their life. As calls for service increase and our city continues to grow we must ensure our team has the staffing and support needed to reach those who need us as fast and as safely as possible.”
“Recognizing the challenging economic times, the City Council made some insightful decisions to reduce the growth in the levy while also making strategic investments in the future of Brooklyn Park” said City Manager Jay Stroebel.
The City’s portion of the property tax levy will go up 4.54% in 2026 and that is down from the maximum property tax levy increase the Council set at 8.43% in September. The levy increase would equate to an additional $7 per month in property taxes, an additional $84 per year, based on median home value of roughly $337,000.
There are many factors that impact property taxes. Property tax bills include taxes from several jurisdictions (e.g. Hennepin County, school districts, etc.), not just the City.
To stay informed about future budgets and city priorities, please follow our updates on the City’s website and official communication channels.