As required by the Community Charter, the City of Coquitlam completes a Five-Year Financial Plan each year. The Financial Plan ensures responsible management of the City's finances while aligning with the community's needs. It also outlines how money will be spent on key priorities and provides clear direction for City staff to deliver municipal services to residents.
To learn more about how municipal tax dollars support City services and the public assets essential to those services, see the section below entitled ‘Interactive Ways to View City Data’ to learn more about where your tax dollars go. See also: 2026 Budget – Property Taxes Explained (PDF).
How the City Develops a Financial Plan
Creating a Financial Plan is a long and complex process that starts months before the budget is approved. Here's how it's done:
- Strategic and Business Planning — Guided by the City's Strategic Plan and Business Plan, the process ensures that both immediate needs and long-term goals are balanced.
- Public Consultation — Residents provide feedback through surveys and meetings.
- Council Briefings — City leaders receive detailed reports to help inform their decisions.
- Department Input — City departments and cultural partners present to Council current services and service levels, and what's needed to maintain those services.
This thorough process makes sure the City's financial plan and budget supports both current needs and future priorities.
Public Input on the City’s Budget
Community input is a key component of Coquitlam’s budget planning process. It helps:
- Align the budget with the community’s current needs and priorities.
- Educate residents on how budgets are developed and tax dollars are spent.
- Balance individual needs with those of a growing community, even during economic uncertainty.
From August 29 to September 14, 2025, Coquitlam residents and businesses were able to participate in the budget planning process for 2026. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their feedback. The results of the 2026 Budget Survey can be found in our 2026 Budget What We Heard Report (PDF).
2026 – 2030 Financial Plan
On December 8, 2025, Council approved the 2026 - 2030 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw (PDF) and the 2026 rates for utilities (water, sewer, drainage and solid waste)(PDF). The City's Annual Tax Rates are adopted after the BC Assessment Authority information on property values becomes available. The detailed Financial Plan and Highlights documents will be available in early 2026.
Learn more: Balancing Today to Strengthen Tomorrow: Coquitlam Approves 2026 Budget