FY 2027 Budget Proposal Highlights – Investing In Pawtucket

• Full Funding for Education: This budget fully funds the School Department’s FY2027 request with a $1 million additional investment to support students, teachers, and the stabilization of school finances.

• Supporting Police, Fire & First Responders: This budget includes significant upgrades for the Fire Department, such as new LifePak defibrillators, Lucas machines, and Hero ventilators, alongside advanced paramedic training for 26 members.

  Funding is also prioritized for police recruitment, retention, and specialized training, ensuring first responders are prepared for a wide range of emergency situations, including active shooter response. 

• Modernizing City Services: This budget invests in updated technology to make city government more efficient, faster, and more accessible for residents. Investments that will improve response times for essential services.

• Support for Arts and Youth: This budget continues to champion our commitment to the arts and youth sports through grant opportunities for local arts organizations, the Pawtucket Arts Festival, and ongoing sponsorships for our youth sports leagues.

• Responsible Fiscal Management: To maintain essential services and long-term stability, this budget proposes a lean .88% total increase, resulting in a modest residential tax adjustment of approximately $12.50 per month for the average homeowner.

Pawtucket Is Growing Thanks To Our Sound Finances

Thanks to years of responsible budgets, sound fiscal management, and economic development efforts, Pawtucket is experiencing tremendous growth:

• Strong Financial Foundation: Pawtucket maintains a solid financial standing with investment-grade credit ratings of A+ from Fitch and A3 from Moody’s, while keeping city reserves stable at 10% of the operating budget.

• New Unified High School Construction: Construction is now underway on our brand-new Pawtucket High School, a major milestone in moving students into modern, 21st-century learning environments.

• Leading in Housing Development: Pawtucket continues to lead the state in housing growth, with over 2,000 units added since 2017, another 1,200 in the pipeline, and consistently exceeding the 10% state requirement for affordable housing.

• Economic Revitalization: Key projects like Tidewater Landing (over 500 housing units and retail space) and the excitement of Rhode Island FC at Centreville Bank Stadium are driving new energy and investment into the community. And our new commuter rail station is attracting riders, new housing development, and connecting residents to greater Boston.

Link to FY2027 Budget Address Speech

Link to FY2027 Budget Address by Mayor Donald R. Grebien