Zurich First-Hand2027 budget – CHF 407 million deficit, tax rate stays at 119 per cent, less money for buying housing
The city executive expects deficits of around CHF 600 million a year until 2030 and is therefore cutting or postponing investments, from the Tiefenbrunnen marina to the Dammsteg bike bridge.
Key figures
| 2027 budget | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | CHF 11.398 bn |
| Spending | CHF 11.805 bn |
| Result | −CHF 407 m (2026 budget: −322 m) |
| Tax revenue | CHF 4.198 bn (individuals 2.546 bn, companies 1.150 bn, property gains tax 500 m) |
| Municipal tax rate | unchanged at 119 % |
| Staff costs | CHF 3.91 bn, 27,333 positions |
| Investment (administrative assets) | CHF 1.88 bn |
For 2028 to 2030, the financial plan shows deficits of CHF 601.6, 591.3 and 590.7 million. According to the city executive, debt has risen sharply since 2023 because of high investment. From 2029, investment is to be held at CHF 1.5 billion a year.
What is cut or postponed
- Property purchases: the budget falls to CHF 150 million a year (−350 million). In return, the city foundations PWG and SEW are to get about CHF 125 million more equity, enabling around CHF 500 million of purchases over four years. The city says this keeps the one-third goal for non-profit housing “realistic”.
- Tiefenbrunnen marina with water sports centre and restaurant: dropped (−76.7 million).
- Seefeld and Brunnenhof schools: one sports hall each instead of two.
- Renovations of city housing estates and office buildings: longer cycles (−230 and −150 million).
- Carbon capture (CCS): planning at Werdhölzli suspended, Hagenholz postponed. The net-zero target stays.
- Dammsteg bike bridge and a pedestrian and cycle link in Seebach: postponed.
- Wiedikon district heating network: rolled out over a longer period.
For the CHF 365 transit pass and the premium supplement, the city executive is budgeting reduced amounts until 2030.