Mayor Carmella R. Mantello has announced the approval of the City of Troy’s 2026 budget, a plan she describes as fiscally responsible and focused on the future. The new budget, which remains below New York State’s tax cap, includes measures aimed at reducing costs for residents, improving public safety, and modernizing city services.
“Tonight, we took a major step forward for the City of Troy,” said Mayor Mantello. “The 2026 Budget strengthens our financial position while continuing to do more with less – to deliver the results our residents expect: safer streets, cleaner neighborhoods, and a more modern, efficient government. I want to thank the City Council Majority for its partnership and commitment to responsibly moving Troy forward.”
A key component of the budget is a reduction in the garbage fee by twenty-five dollars per unit in 2026—the first decrease since its introduction. Residents will also be entitled to one free annual bulk pickup at home if they use city sanitation services and can continue using quarterly drop-off opportunities at the Alamo.
Despite statewide cost increases, officials say that spending levels remain under control and essential services are maintained without exceeding state-imposed limits. The city’s credit rating is protected as part of this approach.
Public safety remains a focus with continued investments in both police and fire departments. These include expanded walking beats, updated technology such as cameras, enhanced officer training programs, upgrades to facilities that have been long overdue for renovation, funding for a new Lansingburgh firehouse, and additional EMS coverage intended to improve emergency response times.
Efforts to maintain cleanliness across Troy will be supported by an expanded Quality of Life Action Crew program and the creation of a Litter Response Team dedicated to addressing litter hotspots daily. These teams will work alongside public safety officials throughout city neighborhoods.
The passage of this budget follows recent actions regarding the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District (BID) assessment by the City Council. The ongoing collaboration between city officials and BID aims to keep downtown safe and welcoming while supporting small businesses through initiatives like police walking beats and quality-of-life crews.
Infrastructure improvements are also included in the approved plan. Ongoing street paving projects, alleyway enhancements, work on Congress Street, and preparations for the Congress and Ferry Street Corridor Project are underway or planned. Upgrades have already been completed or are in progress at several parks including Frear Park, Kinloch Park, Knickerbacker Park, and Knick Aquatic Center.
City operations are set for modernization with continued transitions toward updated financial and payroll systems designed to replace outdated technology. Officials expect these changes will reduce long-term costs while improving efficiency across all departments.
“With this budget, we are strengthening the foundation of our city and ensuring that Troy continues the resurgence our residents have seen and felt since January of 2024,” said Mayor Mantello. “This is a budget that invests responsibly, delivers true quality of life improvements, and supports our long-term vision for a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant Troy.”
Mayor Mantello thanked leadership staff as well as members of the City Council majority for their role in passing this year’s spending plan: “Troy is moving forward because of the hard work and dedication of our employees and department heads. I am grateful for their partnership and continued commitment to our residents.”
