Greenville City Council unanimously approved a $291.2 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026
May 20, 2025
Greenville City Council unanimously approved a $291.2 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026, and a $25.9 million budget for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The FY26 budget, which takes effect July 1, supports City Council priorities of neighborhoods and affordable housing; economic development; recreation, open space and sustainability; public safety; and mobility.
Public safety represents the largest share of spending within the City’s general fund. The FY26 budget includes four new positions within the police department: two traffic officers, one warrant officer, one Neighborhood Engagement Team officer; as well as six positions at the Greenville City Fire Department, including a recruit training specialist. Also funded are body cameras and upgraded protective equipment with new patrol shields for police, emergency radios for firefighters and public works crews, and the construction of a new fire station near Stone Avenue.
The City will invest $2.5 million to support the development of affordable housing and another $1.65 million from state and local accommodations tax revenues will go toward workforce housing projects. Land purchases for future affordable housing development are also earmarked. A small area plan will be created for the West Greenville neighborhood. New neighborhood multiservice centers will be built in Viola and Southernside.
The budget includes funding for recreation and open space initiatives, such as land acquisitions, trail and greenway expansions, and capital improvements at the Greenville Zoo. Notable projects receiving funding include a 10-acre skate park and pump track, a 4.5-mile airport loop trail and an extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail Orange Line through the North Main neighborhood. The City issued a request for proposals for Downtown Ambassador Services to enhance the experience of residents, visitors and businesses in the downtown area. Staff will aim to add services by early fall.
Key mobility projects include the intersection safety enhancements, implementation of the pedestrian safety action plan, traffic calming measures and street lighting upgrades. Pleasantburg Drive is the priority corridor for the upcoming fiscal year. With more traffic accidents than any other stretch of roadway in the city, and five of the 10 intersections with the most accidents, City Manager Shannon Lavrin said, “We look forward to re-envisioning this area with the public’s help, as Pleasantburg Drive remains an important corridor for commuters, those conducting business, and visitors to the Greenville Convention Center and Municipal Airport.”
The budget emphasizes initiatives to promote economic development within the city. Approximately $500,000 has been allocated for future economic development projects inside city limits, allowing the city to remain financially nimble in response to opportunities. The Greenville City Economic Development Corporation will launch a new Micro-Grant Program, to offer targeted support for underrepresented entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Additionally, the budget includes cost of living increases for City employees and additional incentives for public safety workers to remain competitive and incentivize those working overnight shifts.
“Another of our primary goals is to support our employees. Investing in our employees enhances the quality of public services and gives them the tools and support they need to continue to serve our community with excellence,” Lavrin said.
No tax increases or changes to business license rates are included in the budget. The city’s solid waste fee will be increased by $3 per month, along with 3.1 percent annual fee increases for stormwater and wastewater.
