Budget calendar
The City builds its budget on a yearly schedule. These are the key dates, and the meetings marked in color are open for public comment — anyone can speak or write in.
June 9, 2026: Budget public hearing
Formal public hearing on the proposed budget. Most public comment occurs here.
Upcoming
- Public comment
Budget public hearing
Formal public hearing on the proposed budget. Most public comment occurs here.
California state final budget adoption deadline
The final California state budget is adopted. This is the last opportunity for the state to restore the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) backfill that was excluded from the May 14, 2026 budget revise.
Affects Menlo Park's FY 2026-27 budget by an estimated $4.3M annual exposure if the VLF backfill is not restored. Per the May 28, 2026 Public Budget Workshop (~12:44, ~53:56).
- Public comment
Budget adoption
Council formally adopts the budget by resolution. Adopted budget is the legal spending authorization for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
New fiscal year begins
Fiscal year 2026-27 begins.
Year-end review of prior fiscal year (start)
July-September: staff conduct year-end review of FY 2025-26 actuals.
Process; no single meeting.
Continued budget monitoring window
October-December: ongoing budget monitoring and planning for next cycle.
Base operating budget updated
December-January: staff update the base operating budget for the next cycle.
- Public comment
Mid-year budget review
January-February: Council receives mid-year review and may amend the current adopted budget.
- Public comment
Council priority-setting workshop (start of FY 2027-28 cycle)
Annual priority-setting workshop kicks off the FY 2027-28 budget cycle.
CIP budgets developed (start)
April-May: CIP budgets developed and incorporated; Council provides CIP direction; budget workshop and transparency portal opens.
- Public comment
(scheduled) FY 2027-28 budget public hearing
Anticipated date for FY 2027-28 budget public hearing.
Scheduled.
- Public comment
(scheduled) FY 2027-28 budget adoption
Anticipated date for FY 2027-28 budget adoption.
Scheduled.
Earlier this cycle
- Public comment
Council priority-setting workshop
Annual priority-setting workshop. Council sets top priorities for the next fiscal year.
May be a Saturday meeting.
- Public comment
Study session — CIP and budget direction
Council provides direction to staff on Capital Improvement Plan transfer and other key budget items.
- Public comment
Public budget workshop
Staff present the City Manager-recommended budget to the public.
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Dates are from the budget_calendar table, compiled from City budget workshop decks and Council meeting agendas. “Open for public comment” reflects the public_can_comment flag on each event.