LFP Mayor's Corner - Planning for Our Financial Future

LFP Mayor Tom French

MAYOR’S CORNER

Lake Forest Park is developing its 2027–2028 biennial budget and we face difficult decisions about maintaining City services while protecting our long-term financial outlook.

The costs of maintaining essential services, including public safety, emergency communications, insurance, infrastructure maintenance, and contracted services, continue to rise faster than the City’s ongoing revenues. 

Approximately $880,000 in one-time funding was used to balance the current biennial budget. Continuing to rely on reserves to cover ongoing expenses is not a sustainable long-term solution.

The budget process began in August with a review of updated revenue and expenditure projections. 

In September, the City Council will review the Mayor’s proposed budget, capital improvement projects, revenue projections, and detailed departmental presentations. Public meetings and Council deliberations will continue throughout the fall until the final budget is adopted. 

The full calendar of meetings is available on the City’s website.

Voters will also consider a public safety levy on the November ballot.

The proposed budget is being developed using the City’s current revenue projections.

These discussions will require thoughtful consideration of our priorities, resources, and community expectations. I encourage residents to follow the budget process, attend upcoming meetings, and share their thoughts as we plan Lake Forest Park’s future.

Tom French
Mayor

2027-2028 Budget deliberations

• September: Proposed budget and department presentations
• September–October: Public meetings and Council deliberations
• November: Public hearing and continued deliberations
• November: Possible adoption

To learn more about upcoming City Council Meetings and how to participate, visit the City’s website, www.cityoflfp.gov. There, you can also sign up for notifications to stay up to date on meetings, receive newsflashes, and more!