BHCA’s board has approved its budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027). It reflects a continued commitment to the events, parks, and projects that define neighborhood life, and a deficit that the finance committee says is both expected and explainable.
The headline number shows spending outpacing revenue in the coming year, but that gap is largely a bookkeeping artifact rather than a sign of financial strain. BHCA finished FY2026 with an estimated $35,000 surplus — well above the modest $5,000 shortfall originally projected — because funds raised for specific projects like Sculptures in the Parks, greening initiatives, and a public safety grant from BG&E had not yet been spent. Those restricted dollars are expected to flow out in FY2027, which accounts for the projected operating deficit.
The underlying picture is stable. BHCA’s unrestricted savings remained steady at roughly $118,000, up slightly. Core revenue from membership dues, advertising, and interest continues to more than cover the association’s basic administrative costs. BHCA now counts 362 paid households, and the budget includes resources to push that number toward 400.
BHCA has taken on stewardship of two new restricted funds, for Rutters Mill Park and John Street Park, and is also considering serving as financial sponsor for larger neighborhood improvements — such as work on the Park Avenue Median — similar to its role managing recent state grants for Two Mounds Park across from Unity Hall, on Eutaw Place.
The Greening Advisory Committee approved expanded draws from BHCA’s greening funds to support Two-on-Tuesday volunteer events, improvements to the Sumpter Park tree canopy and gardens, restoration of Congressional Medal of Honor Park, and an additional contribution to the Bolton Hill Garden Club. About $15,000 in greening funds will remain uncommitted.
Festival on the Hill proceeds this year are budgeted to benefit Arts in the Parks, the summer free concerts series. And BHCA’s nuisance property abatement work — largely paid for by MICA — continues with $1,500 budgeted for that effort. The full budget document can be found at Linked here
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