Mayor Eşki: “A balanced budget that prioritizes investment, social support, and workers’ rights”

Bornova Municipality’s 2026 budget, totaling 7.5 billion TL, has been approved. Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that the budget strikes a balance between investment and social municipal services while safeguarding employee rights. The largest share was allocated to the Department of Public Works, with an emphasis on continuing infrastructure and social support investments throughout 2026.

The October Ordinary Municipal Council Meeting (2nd session) was held at the Bornova Municipality Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center Assembly Hall, chaired by Mayor Eşki. During the meeting, the 2026 Performance Program and the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Budget were approved as presented by the Plan and Budget Commission. The 2026 budget was finalized at 7.5 billion TL.

“A budget that serves both investment and social responsibility”

Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the 2026 budget focuses equally on investment and social services:

“Our 2026 expenditure budget is 7.5 billion TL, while our revenue budget is 7.1 billion TL. The budget balance is achieved through a net financing of 400 million TL. This is a balanced budget designed to strengthen citizen-oriented services, prepare the city for the future with strategic investments, and protect the rights of our employees.”

Eşki noted that this year’s budget was prepared in the Program Budget format due to a legislative update:

“Each department planned its activities under standardized program headings defined by the Presidency of Strategy and Budget. This reflects our municipality’s growing financial discipline and structured governance.”

38.38% growth — a sign of strong service commitment

The 2026 budget represents a 38.38% increase compared to 2025, aiming to expand Bornova Municipality’s service capacity and offset rising economic costs. 57.22% of the budget is allocated to personnel expenses. Mayor Eşki emphasized that this reflects the human-centered nature of municipal services:

“Protecting our employees’ rights and strengthening their wages against inflation are among our top priorities. Personnel expenditures are projected to rise by 39.45% compared to 2025.”

Commitment to investment: 1 billion TL for capital expenditures

A total of 1.019 billion TL—equivalent to 13.6% of the budget—has been earmarked for investment spending, marking a 35.68% increase from the previous year. This investment covers infrastructure, environmental improvements, and new municipal facilities.

“We will continue making Bornova a more livable city through enhanced sanitation services, roadworks, new facilities, and sustainable service areas,” said Eşki.

Largest allocation: Department of Public Works

The 2026 budget allocates the highest shares as follows:

• Department of Public Works: 1,114,150,000 TL (15.26%)

• Department of Sanitation: 763,424,000 TL (10.18%)

• Department of Parks and Gardens: 690,827,000 TL (9.21%)

• Department of Social Assistance: 366,646,000 TL (4.89%)

This distribution underscores Bornova Municipality’s commitment to advancing both infrastructure investment and social welfare programs in parallel.

“With Public Restaurants, Markets, and Parks — we stand with our people”

CHP Group Deputy Chair Yağmur Yurdakul Özkan highlighted key projects implemented by Bornova Municipality, including the Public Restaurants, Public Markets, Urban Gardens, Abide-i Hürriyet Park, KKTC Park, Pump Track Park, and the Cat Clinic, stating:

“These services are lasting projects that improve the quality of life for Bornova residents. We are confident this approach will continue to grow stronger in the coming years.”

Plan and Budget Commission Chair Ahmet Tokem also emphasized the importance of allocating significant shares of the budget to investment-focused departments and social support programs.