The UNA’s board of directors approved the 2026-2027 draft budget unanimously during their February meeting.
Directors approved the balanced budget with both operating expenditures and revenues projected at $8.97 million. Both are forecast to be 6 per cent higher than the amount budgeted for the current 2025-2026 fiscal year, which concludes on March 31.
For 2026–27, the Neighbours Fund is projected to bring in $6.5 million, representing nearly 72 per cent of anticipated revenue.
As the largest single revenue source available to the UNA, the Neighbours Fund is paid by UBC and covers costs borne by the UNA to provide municipal-type services in the university neighbourhoods, including stormwater sewers, fire services, and recreation and cultural facilities charges. The Neighbours Fund is supplemented through taxes paid by local residential property owners, as well as funds provided by UBC, UBC Properties Trust, and other leaseholders.
Additional revenue from the UNA’s recreation and culture programming is projected to come in at $1.67 million, an increase from $1.59 million in the 2025–2026 budget.
On the expenditure side, costs of recreational and culture programming are forecasted to increase to $3.75 million compared to $3.52 million in the 2025–2026 budget, representing 42 per cent of the overall expenses. The rise is attributed to an increase in staffing levels and financial support for public events, volunteer functions, and the reintroduction of a promotional ‘Try-It Week’ to boost various community programs.
General operational service expenses are budgeted to increase by 11 per cent to $3.45 million, attributed mainly to the addition of new UNA staff positions, including a planned human resources role, converting the organization’s social media specialist position to full-time, and adding a part-time operations technician role.
Landscaping costs are budgeted to decrease by 6 per cent to $1.26 million, due to fewer planned special projects and anticipated lower contractor fees.
The UNA’s draft capital budget for 2026–2027 is projected to rise to $365,400, up from $321,700. Major items include park and roadway enhancements, and replacing existing furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Prior to being approved, the draft budget was published on the UNA website and an open house event was held in late January for campus residents to make inquiries and share feedback. UNA Staff said they heard concerns over future infrastructure funding, but the bulk of feedback was not directly related to the draft budget and comments were “more operational in nature”. Six people were reported to have attended the open house.
The budget was sent to UBC’s Board of Governors after receiving UNA director approval, and the university is now required to assess whether expenditures are in line with stipulations of the Neighbours Fund.
Under the Neighbour’s Agreement, UBC is entitled to receive the budget 45 days before the end of the fiscal year.
EMMANUEL SAMOGLOU IS THE MANAGING EDITOR OF THE CAMPUS RESIDENT