Hoboken officials are seeking public input as work begins on the city’s 2026 municipal budget. An online survey now available to residents asks for feedback on spending priorities, possible cost reductions, and ways the city might generate revenue.
The effort comes as the city works to address a projected $17 million gap connected to the upcoming budget.
Key Takeaways:
- Hoboken launched an online survey inviting residents to provide input on the 2026 municipal budget.
- The city faces a projected $17 million deficit, currently tied to a potential tax increase of more than 20 percent.
- The introductory budget will be presented to the Hoboken City Council in April after officials review survey responses and feedback from public budget workshops.
Mayor Announces Survey And Calls For Participation
Mayor Emily B. Jabbour announced the launch of the survey and said the budget process provides an opportunity for residents to share their views on city spending.
“The budget is one of the most important tools we have to reflect our community’s priorities,” Jabbour said.
She also said the survey gives residents an opportunity to work with the administration by sharing ideas about which services should receive funding, where reductions might be considered, and how the city could generate revenue responsibly. Jabbour added that every tax dollar matters and that public input will help guide the budget to address the community’s needs and values.
The mayor previously discussed the city’s financial situation in a video posted Tuesday on Hoboken’s social media pages. Following that announcement, several City Council members raised questions during their public meeting the next day.
Projected $17 Million Budget Gap Prompts Discussion
City officials said the administration faces financial decisions while preparing the 2026 budget.
The $17 million deficit currently carries a potential tax increase exceeding 20 percent. Officials have said discussions are underway about spending cuts, revenue options, and gathering public input as part of the budget process.
Survey Asks Residents To Rank Funding Priorities
The survey asks residents to provide feedback on cost reductions, revenue opportunities, and priorities for city services and investments.
Participants are also asked to rank the level of funding for specific areas as low, medium, or high. Topics included in the survey include:
- Affordable housing
- Construction and zoning permitting
- Historic preservation
- Rent control
Residents are also asked whether the city should reduce the redevelopment planning budget and whether there should be changes to the use of outside consultants.
Officials said members of the Hoboken City Council contributed questions to the survey so it includes their budget-related considerations.
Senior Services Office Provides Assistance
To help residents who may need assistance completing the survey, the city’s Office of Senior Services will provide help at the Multi-Service Center, located at 124 Grand St.
Staff members will be available to assist seniors who need help filling out the questionnaire.
Survey Responses Will Guide Budget Preparation
Responses from the survey will be reviewed alongside feedback gathered during public budget workshops.
City officials said both sources of feedback will guide the administration as it prepares the introductory municipal budget for fiscal year 2026.
City Council Will Review The Budget Proposal In April
Once the administration prepares the budget proposal, the introductory municipal budget will be presented to the Hoboken City Council in April.
Council members will review the proposal, consider amendments, and vote on the final municipal budget.
Survey Open Until March 22
Residents can complete the survey online until March 22 at 11:59 p.m.
Officials said responses submitted before that deadline will be considered as the administration continues work on the 2026 municipal budget.
