CRANSTON, RI – Mayor Ken Hopkins presented his fiscal year 2027 budget proposal to the City Council this week, seeking to maintain essential city services while limiting the property tax increase to 2%—well below the current rate of inflation and significantly less than the increases being proposed in many neighboring communities.

The $285 million budget reflects the Hopkins administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility while investing in the public safety, infrastructure, and educational resources that Cranston residents depend on. The mayor highlighted several key priorities in his budget address, including increased funding for road repairs, additional police officers, and enhanced services for senior citizens.

"This budget reflects our commitment to doing more with less," Mayor Hopkins told the assembled council members and residents. "We've found efficiencies throughout city government, and we're passing those savings on to taxpayers while maintaining the high quality of services that make Cranston the best city in Rhode Island."

The proposed 2% property tax increase—the minimum needed to maintain current service levels given rising costs—is significantly lower than the 4% increases being proposed in Providence and other Rhode Island cities. The Hopkins administration has achieved this through a combination of departmental efficiencies, strategic use of federal infrastructure funds, and disciplined management of the city's pension obligations.

Public safety receives the largest share of the budget, with the Police Department allocated $42 million and the Fire Department $38 million. The police budget includes funding for three additional officers, bringing the department to its highest staffing level in a decade.

Infrastructure investment is another priority, with $12 million allocated for road repairs and improvements. The city will use a data-driven approach to prioritize road projects, focusing on the streets in the worst condition and those with the highest traffic volumes.

The budget will be subject to public hearings and council review over the coming weeks, with a final vote expected before the June 30th deadline.