The City of Langley has given first and second reading to its 2026 Financial Plan, advancing a budget that proposes a 5.82% property tax increase for the coming year. This reflects a 3.57% increase to the base operating budget, along with several additional service enhancements that further raise overall taxation, which include two additional firefighters, two additional RCMP members, $224,000 in increased funding toward infrastructure renewal, and $68,900 to extend the season at the outdoor pool.

The Langley Chamber recognizes the need for strategic investment in public safety and core infrastructure, but we also continue to emphasize the importance of long-term financial sustainability, predictable taxation, and careful evaluation of new ongoing commitments—particularly in a period of rising costs for residents and businesses.   See the budget document here > 

Our Perspective

The Langley Chamber is actively reviewing the budget in detail and preparing feedback to ensure the interests of Langley’s business community are represented.  While we appreciate efforts made thus far by Council to limit this year's tax increase by forgoing several staffing increases proposed, we do remind them of the cumulative increases over the past 3 years of 6.7%, 9.97% and 11.56% respectively, a compounded increase of 30.65%.   We also appreciate the City's attention to the ratio between residential and business tax rates, and keeping it no higher than 1:3, while reminding the City that businesses pay far more than their share of taxes based on services used.  

The City has outlined several upcoming opportunities for engagement and feedback:

• Budget Open House – November 26 from 6-8pm at City Hall
  • An in-person open house will be held to give residents and businesses an opportunity to meet with City staff and Council members, review the financial plan, and ask questions about the proposed tax increase and service additions. 
• Council Meeting – December 1
  • At the December 1 meeting, the public will be able to provide feedback on the budget in writing or directly to Council. This session is the key formal opportunity for community input before the budget proceeds to later readings.
• Online Feedback
  • The City is also collecting input through an online survey, allowing residents and business owners to share their views on the proposed tax increase and spending priorities.

We encourage all Langley City businesses to participate in the upcoming engagement opportunities and make their voices heard, and share your priorities and thoughts with the Chamber >