Balance & reserves
Lafayette is spending down part of its reserve on purpose, to catch up on long-standing maintenance of its buildings, parks and trails while its reserve is strong and Measure H sales-tax money is coming in.
Lafayette adopts a budget each year. This page covers FY 2026-27.
Where the reserve stands, FY 2026-27
This budget draws from the City's reserve. The reserve ends the year at , or of General Fund spending, against the City's minimum of . The City's forecast shows it at by FY 2030-31, below that minimum.
The City has said the drop in its reserves is on purpose. Last year's Final Budget called it “intentional and strategic”, a shift from building up reserves toward reinvesting in City facilities while keeping the reserve above its minimum.
Reserves, FY 2026-27
Core operating cash
Cash in the General Fund, Measure H, recreation and insurance funds, after setting aside the money saved in sinking funds. The City measures its reserve policy against it.