Oklahoma City Council adopts 2027 budget

Published on June 02, 2026

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council adopted City Manager Craig Freeman’s 2027 budget.

The budget book can be reviewed at okc.gov/budget.

Due to slow revenue growth, the Police Department and Fire Department were directed to propose a 1.4% budget reduction, and most other City departments proposed a 2.4% reduction.

"Our primary focus is, and always will be, delivering high-quality services to our residents," City Manager Craig Freeman said. "I'm grateful to department heads for the thoughtful and disciplined approach they brought to the budget process."

Budget Overview

The operating budget pays for day-to-day operations and is $979 million.

The proposed budget includes funding for 5,089 full-time positions, a decrease of 1 from FY 26.

Budget highlights

Fire Department

Deletes 6 Fire Corporals from its 5th position on multiple ladders.
Adds $1 million in funding toward a new fire wellness program from the Fire Sales Tax Fund.

Police Department

Carries forward 20 frozen uniform positions from FY 2026.
Reduces 1 civilian support position.

Public Works

Adds a net of two positions.
Invests in project managers and other support positions in preparation for the upcoming GO Bond sale.

Development Services

Deletes a Chief Code Inspector from the Code Enforcement.
Deletes 2 Code Inspector I positions.
Adds 2 Elevator Inspectors funded by projected service fees.

Public Transportation and Parking

Reallocates two of its positions from City funds to the COTPA trust.
Update service hours for weekend fixed routes to more directly align with usage.

Utilities

Adds 8 total positions.
Reallocates $12.4 million from its City operating funds to the Trust.

Parks and Recreation

Eliminates 5 positions.
Restructures its Natural Resources Program in the Recreation and Grounds Management Divisions.

General Services

Deletes a Recreation Facilities Technician.
Deletes an Office Administrator position in the administrative line of business.

Finance

Shifts its Performance Measurement program and staff member to the City Manager's office.

Municipal Counselor's Office

Adds two attorneys supported by the GO Bond chargeback and the Public Safety Sales tax.

The City Manager's Office

Adds two positions in the MAPS office to support work on the Arena.
Adds the performance measurement program to the Innovation Office.

Funding

Oklahoma City's largest single source of revenue is sales tax, which pays for day-to-day services. Every time people shop in Oklahoma City or buy something online, they invest in our community.

The City gets 4.125% of taxable sales made in Oklahoma City or when people from Oklahoma City buy something online. Of that, 2.25% goes to the General Fund that pays for day-to-day operations. About 54% of the General Fund goes to our Police and Fire Departments.

Police and Fire also have a dedicated public safety sales tax of ¾ of a cent. The OKC Zoo gets 1/8th of a cent, and finally, there’s the MAPS 4 temporary penny sales tax.

The City also gets about 13% of residents’ total property tax bill. OKC's share pays off the general obligation bonds we use for bond projects. Those funds improve streets, parks, Police and Fire facilities and other needs for the next several years. The rest of the residents' property tax goes to public schools, libraries, vocational schools and the county government.

Another significant source of tax revenue is the hotel tax, which is charged on hotel room stays. This tax is dedicated to promoting tourism and capital improvements at OKC Fair Park.

The City also gets some revenue from franchise fees, building permits, business licenses, fines, service charges and fees. Visit okc.gov/tax for an overview of our revenue.

Budget background

An overview of Oklahoma City Manager Craig Freeman's proposed budget was presented to the City Council on April 28. During the same meeting, Fire, Police and Transportation and Parking presented their budget proposals. Development Services, Parks and Recreation and Public Works made presentations on May 12 and Information Technology, Municipal Courts, Utilities and Airports presented on May 26.

Residents were invited to review the proposed budget book and submit comments online and via text, mail or email by May 19.

The budget is guided by feedback received from the annual resident survey results. Information from the survey also helps the City Council set priorities. Those priorities are:

Promote safe, secure and thriving neighborhoods.
Develop a transportation system that works for all residents.
Maintain strong financial management.
Enhance recreational opportunities and community wellness.
Encourage a robust local economy.
Uphold high standards for all City services.
Continue to pursue social and criminal justice reforms.

Find your Council member’s contact information at okc.gov/council. Visit okc.gov/WardMap to see who represents you. Find Council agendas, including instructions on how to watch or sign up to speak at okc.gov/agenda.

The budget process begins each February with a City Council budget workshop. The budget hearings in the spring and budget adoption in June finish the budget process every year. When necessary, the Council adopts amendments to the budget in the middle of the fiscal year.

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Media Contact: Kristy Yager, 405-297-2550, kristy.yager@okc.gov