Penfield unveils ambitious 2026 budget focused on building for the future and ensuring a safer, more connected community for all residents

Penfield, New York – After months of planning and collaboration, the Town of Penfield has unveiled its proposed 2026 budget—a roadmap designed not just to fund essential services, but to strengthen the foundation of a growing, forward-looking community. With an emphasis on safety, infrastructure, and connection, town leaders say this year’s plan continues their ongoing commitment to “building for the future.”

Building for the Future

Penfield’s 2026 budget reflects a clear vision: to ensure the town’s facilities and infrastructure are ready to meet the needs of residents for years to come. Major capital improvement projects remain central to that vision. Among them are the new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility and the rehabilitation and addition to the historic Alpheus Clark House.

These projects are not merely cosmetic upgrades—they’re critical investments in service quality and efficiency. The DPW facility, once completed, will provide the town with modern operational space to better manage everything from road maintenance to storm response. The Alpheus Clark House restoration, meanwhile, preserves a piece of Penfield’s history while adapting it for modern use.

For 2026, the town has allocated funding to support these initiatives, including issuing construction bonds for the DPW facility, which will be repaid gradually over time. The focus, officials say, is on balancing fiscal responsibility with long-term sustainability.

Connecting the Community

Over the last several years, Penfield has been steadily expanding its network of sidewalks and trails, making it easier—and safer—for residents to walk, bike, and connect with one another. That commitment continues into 2026, as new pathways are planned to link neighborhoods, schools, and parks.

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Next year’s highlights include completing the connection along Plank Road from Five Mile Line Road to Jackson Road, and extending sidewalks on Jackson Road from Plank Road to Atlantic Avenue. In addition, the town plans to begin work on a new shared-use trail system at the southern end of Shadow Pines, on land once part of the property’s back nine holes.

When finished, this trail system will open up opportunities for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and families looking to explore the outdoors close to home. Town leaders say these projects represent a long-term investment in both public health and environmental well-being.

Expanding Recreation and Cultural Opportunities

Recreation and learning remain strong pillars of community life in Penfield. Participation in both Penfield Recreation and the Penfield Public Library continues to climb, a sign of residents’ growing engagement in local programs.

The 2026 budget aims to keep that momentum going. Investments are planned to expand recreational programming and maintain facilities that are already seeing increased use. A key initiative for the coming year is a comprehensive review of all community facilities, which will include assessing the potential need for a new community center.

As Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts noted, “I know this topic is important to many, and we are identifying how to best move ahead.” The review process will give residents and town staff a clearer sense of what Penfield’s future recreational and cultural spaces could look like—and how best to fund them responsibly.

Strengthening Public Safety

Safety remains one of Penfield’s top priorities, and the new budget continues that focus. The town will maintain its support for Penfield-Webster Ambulance to ensure that residents continue receiving fast, reliable emergency medical services.

Traffic and speeding concerns have also been front and center in recent community discussions. To address them, the town is dedicating funds for a new speed feedback cart and additional pole-mounted radar units—tools that help monitor and reduce speeding in high-traffic areas. When paired with continued cooperation between local law enforcement and town departments, these investments aim to make Penfield’s roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Collaboration and Next Steps

The 2026 budget proposal represents months of collaboration among the Town Board, department heads, and local residents. Supervisor Leenhouts emphasized the cooperative effort behind the plan, stating: “Crafting the final budget really is a team effort. I want to thank everyone who played a role in developing this framework for our 2026 budget, including our Town Board, Town staff, and the community.”

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The Town Board is scheduled to vote on the final 2026 budget on Wednesday, October 29. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or visit the town’s official website to review details, offer feedback, and stay informed about updates as the process moves forward.

As Leenhouts concluded, “As always, please reach out with any questions you have. See you around.”

Penfield’s 2026 budget may be just numbers on paper today, but behind those figures is a broader vision—a promise to preserve the town’s character while preparing it for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Through investments in safety, connection, and recreation, Penfield continues to shape itself into a community built not only for today’s residents, but for generations to come.