Dallas Budget & Finance
Learn how Dallas collects, spends, and manages public money and how you can participate in the budget process.
iN 1 mINUTE…
Every year, the City of Dallas adopts a budget that determines how billions of public dollars will be collected and spent on services like police, fire, parks, libraries, streets, housing, and more.
The budget reflects the city’s priorities and shapes the services, projects, and investments that affect residents every day.
start here
I’m new to the budget. Teach me the basics.
- What Is the Dallas Budget?
- Fiscal Year
- Operating vs. Capital Budget
Where does the money come from?
Learn where Dallas gets its money.
- Property Taxes
- Sales Taxes
- Fees & Permits
- Enterprise Funds
- Grants & Other Revenue
Where does the money go?
Learn how Dallas spends your money.
- Police
- Fire
- Public Works
- Parks
- Libraries
- Housing
- Transportation
How is the budget Made?
Learn how the budget is created and approved.
- Annual Budget Timeline
- City Manager’s Role
- City Council’s Role
- Budget Workshops
- Budget Town Halls
- Final Adoption
what’s happening this year?
Learn what’s happening in the current budget this year.
- FY 2026–2027 Budget
- Major Changes
- Budget Priorities
- New Programs
- Budget Reductions
- Budget Gap
How can I participate
Learn how to influence the budget.
- Budget Town Halls
- Public Comment
- Contact Your Council Member
- Budget Workshops
- Submit Feedback
KEY CONCEPTS
Learn the budget budget terms you’ll see throughout this guide.
- General Fund
- Enterprise Funds
- Restricted vs. Unrestricted Funds
- Budget Shortfall
- Bond Program
- Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
BUDGET TOOLS
- Budget Simulator
- Where Every Dollar Goes
- Department Spending Dashboard
- How to Read the Budget
- Budget by Council District
- Budget Glossary
- Budget Timeline
- FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why does Dallas have a budget?
No. Local laws (ordinances) are generally adopted by the city council.
Where does Dallas get most of its money?
Usually not alone. Tax rates are typically approved by the city council following state law.
Who decides how money is spent?
It depends on the city’s charter. In many council-manager cities, the city council, not the mayor acting alone, hires and can remove the city manager.
Why can’t the city spend money on everything?
Many cities do, but the mayor’s powers and responsibilities vary depending on state law and the city’s form of government.
What is a budget shortfall?
Many cities do, but the mayor’s powers and responsibilities vary depending on state law and the city’s form of government.
What is the difference between the operating budget and the bond program?
Many cities do, but the mayor’s powers and responsibilities vary depending on state law and the city’s form of government.
CONTINUE LEARNING
Explore how Dallas government is structured, how decisions are made, and how city departments work together.
Learn about the mayor, city council, city manager, boards and commissions, and the roles they play in governing Dallas.
Learn about zoning, housing policies, planning, development, and how neighborhoods grow and change.
Explore roads, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, DART, parking, and transportation planning.
Learn about parks, libraries, sanitation, public safety, water, code compliance, and other services provided by the City of Dallas.
Discover how to attend meetings, give public comment, contact officials, serve on boards, and get involved in local government.