Administration Marks Seventh Consecutive Year of Timely Budget Submission, Reinforcing a Legacy of Fiscal Discipline and Transparent Governance
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has submitted the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget to the Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands, meeting the deadline outlined in the Virgin Islands Code and the Revised Organic Act. This marks the seventh year in a row that the Bryan-Roach Administration has delivered the budget on time, demonstrating consistent leadership and a serious commitment to responsible financial management and government transparency.
Titled Empowering Progress: Revitalization, Sustainability, and Financial Stability, the FY 2026 budget outlines a forward-looking plan to strengthen the Territory’s financial footing while investing in infrastructure, public services, and long-term economic resilience.
“This year’s budget is not just a set of numbers. It reflects our vision to keep moving the Virgin Islands forward with purpose and discipline,” Governor Bryan said. “We have now submitted the budget on time for seven consecutive years, which speaks to the dedication of this administration to meet our obligations and stay focused on delivering real results for the people of this Territory.”
Overview of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
The proposed budget includes $936.4 million in General Fund appropriations, with a total budget across all funds reaching $1.64 billion. It builds on years of fiscal reform and economic recovery and is designed to adapt to shifting national trends while safeguarding the Territory’s financial health and public investments.
Projected gross revenues total $1.03 billion, with growth expected in four of the five major tax categories: Gross Receipts, Excise, Real Property, and Personal Income Tax. A modest decline is anticipated in Corporate Income Tax revenues due to broader global economic conditions, though that shortfall is being offset by continued growth in tourism and ongoing reconstruction activity.
Julio A. Rhymer Sr., Director of the Office of Management and Budget, emphasized the strategic nature of the proposal.
“This budget takes a disciplined approach to strengthen operations, increase compliance, and make sure our resources are tied to results. We are positioning the Territory to stay on course, even as the federal landscape shifts,” Rhymer said.
Budget Highlights
- General Fund Appropriations: $936,426,140
- Total Budget Across All Funds: $1.64 billion
- Federal Disaster and Non-Disaster Grant Funds: $20.65 billion
- Key Revenue Growth Areas: Gross Receipts Tax, Personal Income Tax, Excise Tax, Real Property Tax
The proposal includes stronger tax enforcement, better recovery of delinquent property taxes, and expanded oversight of newer economic sectors like short-term rentals and other parts of the shared economy.
The budget also supports wage increases for government workers, major investments in digital systems and transportation, and improved compliance with federal grant requirements. It reinforces a performance-based approach to budgeting, with agency funding tied directly to improvements in public services and measurable results.
“We are not here to simply manage finances. We are here to invest in our people, modernize how government works, and build a better future,” said Governor Bryan. “This budget continues that work.”
In keeping with its commitment to transparency and public engagement, the Bryan-Roach Administration has made the full FY 2026 Executive Budget available for review at https://omb.vi.gov. Residents can explore detailed agency budgets, performance goals, and funding priorities.
Building Public Trust Through Transparency
“Every year we work to deliver budgets that are timely and thoughtful, and that reflect what matters most to Virgin Islanders,” Governor Bryan said. “This is about more than meeting deadlines. It is about showing the people of this Territory that their government is working for them.”
As the Administration enters the final year of its second term, the FY 2026 budget reflects a steady hand, a clear vision, and an unwavering focus on progress.
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