In Maple Ridge, development of each year’s business plan and budget is a multi-stage process that includes all City service areas, staff, Council, and the community.
Find out the Latest on 2026 Business Planning and Budget
All City services and programs are funded through an annual budget, which is part of a five-year Financial Plan.
The City's business planning process is designed to align department budgets, business plans, resources, programs, and services with the Council Strategic Plan. Regular performance reporting is a key part of this process, holding the City accountable to residents, businesses, and community groups.
2025/2026 Business Planning Process
The business planning process for developing the 2026 operating budget started in July 2025 with the approval of the 2026 Business Planning Guidelines. The 2026 budget has a strong focus on community priorities such as taxpayer affordability and making progress on projects that support growth.
Operating Budget Timeline
- December 2025: Public information launch (Budget Talks video series, website updates)
- December 2025 & January 2026: Council deliberations (Note: The 2026-2030 Capital Plan was approved by Council on Dec 15, 2025. Learn more on our Capital Planning page)
- February 2026: Public engagement on draft 2026 operating budget
- Spring 2026: Adoption of Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws
How to Get Involved
Residents can follow and engage with the 2026 budget planning process by:
- Viewing the Budget Talks video series below.
- Watching budget presentations at Council (in person or online) at MapleRidge.ca/CouncilMeetings
- Participating in surveys and engagement opportunities on the draft operating budget in early 2026.
- Sharing input as budget and tax bylaws move through the Council approval process in spring 2026.
Resources
- News Release - December 17, 2025
- December 15, 2025 Staff Report to approve the 2026-2030 Capital Plan
- News Release - December 5, 2025
- July 29, 2025 Staff Report to approve the 2026 Budget Guidelines
Budget Talks Video Series
New in 2025, the Budget Talks video series aims to help residents better understand the annual budget process — the foundation for City services and decisions year-round. The videos break down the budget process in short segments including:
Annual Business Planning Process
The annual business planning process begins in the summer with the development of the annual budget. Throughout summer and early fall, service areas develop and present to Council multi-year operating plans that directly support Council's strategic direction.
Council then deliberates on the following year's five-year financial plan. These sessions are open to the public and there are opportunities for residents to speak to Council. Council meetings are broadcast live through the City website and are also recorded for future viewing. You can access live stream and recordings of Council meetings at MapleRidge.ca/Council-Meetings.
Once the annual budget is approved, employees prepare individual performance plans that link their work directly to the department's objectives, ensuring strategic alignment across the City at all levels.
Progress on Council priorities can be viewed on the City’s dashboards at MapleRidge.ca/CouncilStratPlan.
The business planning process is reviewed annually and may be adjusted if the planning context changes to ensure that City programs and services are responsive to those we serve.
About the Five-year Financial Plan
B.C.’s Community Charter requires that Council adopt a five-year Financial Plan each year prior to adopting the annual property tax bylaw. The purpose of the Financial Plan is to provide a budgetary framework for the City to plan and manage its resources, revenues, and expenditures in order to best serve the community.
The first year of the Plan forms the annual budget, while the following years providing a guideline, incorporating the City's various long-term plans and strategies.
To view the latest published Financial Plan visit Financial-Plan-Overview-Report-2024-2028.
Community Engagement
Maple Ridge engages the community throughout the business planning and budget process:
- During the development of major plans and strategies that guide the budget process, such as in the spring/summer when Council considers guidelines that will direct staff in preparation of the Financial Plan
- Participating in the public question period when Council discusses the budget and adopts the related bylaws in open Council meeting in the winter
- Submitting comments and questions throughout the year
Contact Us
Comments and questions about the City's business planning process, budget, and financial plan can be submitted at anytime by email, phone, social media, or mail.
- Email: Budget@MapleRidge.ca
- Social Media: Facebook or X feeds @YourMapleRidge using #BudgetMR
- Phone: 604-467-7484 (voice mail checked regularly)
- Mail: Please address mail to:
Trevor Thompson
Chief Financial Officer
City of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place
Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9
Financial Reporting
In addition to the City's annual business and financial planning, we also complete an annual review of the past year, including audited financial statements.
Learn more by visiting our Annual Report and Statement of Financial Information pages.