Assembly members raise tax relief, housing, revenue diversification and mental‑health response as FY26 priorities

Assembly members used the final portion of the work session to preview FY26 priorities they want the administration and budget office to consider.

Several members urged a focus on housing affordability and property tax relief. One member said, “we have an affordability problem in this town… I’d really like…property tax relief…priority number 1.” Another member said housing supply and catalytic investments will be their top priority: “housing…I think is gonna be my number 1 priority. How do we catalyze affordable housing?”

Members also discussed revenue diversification to avoid over‑reliance on property taxes. Assembly Member Aaron Baldwin Day said he wants to “diversify the revenue that is coming into our city” and explore revenue approaches that do not “further burden property owners.” Several members said public safety should remain a priority in light of known grant expirations.

Mental‑health and crisis response were raised as budget considerations: one member asked that funding for integrated models, mobile crisis teams (MCT) and mobile integrated teams (MIT) be sustained and eventually moved out of special revenues into general government where appropriate. Another member highlighted the need to staff development services and long‑range planning so that development and permitting can move more quickly to support housing objectives. Youth investment and transportation access for young people were also cited as policy targets for FY26.

No formal priority resolution was adopted at the session. Staff were asked to compile materials and follow up with members and the budget and finance committee as the formal calendar advances.