The Charleston City Council has advanced a record $381 million budget for 2026, representing a 9 percent increase from the current year’s $349 million. The budget includes a 3 percent cost-of-living raise for nearly 1,900 city employees without increasing property taxes for homeowners. This adjustment aims to offset rising healthcare costs and overall inflation.
Key priorities include maintaining competitive salaries for employees and supporting city facilities such as Angel Oak Tree, City Market, JPR Jr. Ballpark, and the Old Slave Mart despite some projected revenue declines. The council made department cuts elsewhere to avoid additional homeowner costs.
Significantly, the budget also allocates funding for affordable housing projects, with Charleston County collaborating on ongoing initiatives. Councilman Keith Waring emphasized serious coordinated efforts toward affordable housing, with potential investments reaching close to a billion dollars.
The budget’s final reading is scheduled for December 16, and if approved, it will take effect January 1, 2026.
