US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan has proposed a US$958.2 million budget for Fiscal Year 2027, placing housing, infrastructure and community development at the centre of what will be the final spending plan of the Bryan-Roach Administration.

The budget, submitted to the 36th Legislature, comes with the territory showing signs of continued economic growth, fuelled by tourism, construction activity, housing development and private investment.

Bryan described the proposal as both a reflection of the progress made during his time in office and a plan for maintaining that momentum in the years ahead.

“This budget extends a legacy of responsible fiscal management, accurate revenue forecasting, smarter government operations and the continued reduction of longstanding government debt,” the governor said.

The spending plan is built around the theme, Investing Today for the Communities of Tomorrow: Infrastructure, Recreation and Housing, and includes funding aimed at improving public facilities, expanding housing opportunities and strengthening communities across the territory.

Officials are forecasting growth in several major revenue streams, including personal and corporate income taxes, gross receipts taxes, property taxes and excise taxes. 

The administration says those projections are being driven by continued visitor arrivals, ongoing recovery projects and increased private sector activity.

Bryan argued that the territory is now in a stronger position than it was several years ago.

“In plain language, the Virgin Islands economy is growing,” he said.

The governor also pointed to expanded airlift and new hotel projects announced in recent months as evidence of growing confidence in the territory’s economy. Officials expect those investments to create jobs, attract more visitors and generate additional business activity.

The proposal includes a US$5 million contribution to the Budget Stabilisation Fund, which is intended to help cushion the territory against future economic shocks and unexpected financial pressures.

Bryan said the budget aims to strike a balance between maintaining fiscal discipline and making investments that improve the daily lives of residents.

The proposal will now be reviewed by lawmakers during budget hearings, where officials are expected to face questions on revenue projections, spending priorities and the administration’s plans for sustaining economic growth.