Mayor's Message

Dear Cape Coral Residents,

As we move through the summer and prepare for a new school year, I want to thank you for your continued engagement and support for the many initiatives shaping Cape Coral’s future. Our City is growing, and together we are making important decisions that will define Cape Coral for generations.

City Council has been actively engaged in developing the Fiscal Year 2027 budget through multiple public workshops and a town hall‑style meeting. The budget is one of the most important responsibilities of Council because it sets the City’s priorities and allocates resources to meet the needs of our residents. Through the budgeting process, we determine how to fund public safety, infrastructure and transportation, parks and recreation, and other essential services that support our quality of life.

In late July, the City Manager released his proposed budget that maintains essential services and continues strategic investment in Cape Coral’s infrastructure. Council directed the City Manager to work toward a Fiscal Year 2027 budget maintaining the current millage rate of 5.1471, maintaining the Fire Service Assessment at 81 percent cost recovery and the Public Service Tax at 7 percent. This approach reflects our commitment to public safety and infrastructure while remaining mindful of the impact on taxpayers.

I encourage you to stay engaged in the budget process, and I appreciate the many residents who have already shared their feedback. Our budget hearings on September 10 and September 24 will be the final step in adopting the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Your input is essential to helping us set priorities and allocate resources in a way that maintains public safety, invests in infrastructure and mobility, and provides high‑quality parks and recreation as our city continues to grow.

Looking ahead, the proposed property tax amendment, if approved by voters, would impact the City’s revenues beginning in Fiscal Year 2028. Council and staff will carefully evaluate those impacts and make any necessary adjustments so we can continue providing essential services, maintaining public safety, and investing in infrastructure while adapting to any changes in the City’s long‑term financial outlook.

As our students head back to school, I want to extend my best wishes to all families, teachers, and school staff for a safe and successful year. Please remember to drive carefully near schools and bus stops, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists, and allow extra time during drop‑off and pick‑up hours. By staying alert and following traffic laws, we can work together to keep our children safe.

As always, I encourage you to stay informed and involved and attend meetings when you can. Your participation helps guide our work and keeps Cape Coral a strong, vibrant, and welcoming community.

It is an honor to serve as your Mayor, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue working on behalf of our community.

Warm regards,

John Gunter
Mayor, Cape Coral Mayor