Williamsburg is scheduled to adopt its 2026 budget in May.
In addition to paying staff salaries, building libraries and funding schools, Williamsburg also gives monies to several outside groups.
Recently, city council met to go over recommendations on who would get what – if anything.
Outside agency grants recommended at $3.6 million, a 9.4% or $314, 000 increase from 2025.
- $1.3 million, the same as 2025, to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for Merchants Square maintenance, stormwater system improvements, landscaping and events such as the Grand Illumination, July 4th and Juneteenth festivities.
- Nearly $14,000 or about 22% less for public safety organizations. Economic Development Director Yuri Matsumoto said that’s largely a result of a recalculation of the funding formula for the Peninsula Alcohol Safety Action Program.
- About $329,000 or 55% more for community partner agencies. Nearly all of that is earmarked for the Williamsburg Area Transportation Authority.
- The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation and Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance each asked for decreased funding.
- Matsumoto said the tight budgetary picture in Williamsburg meant no new agencies will receive funding in 2026. Any increases have to be related to council’s goals and initiatives.
Human Services Partner Agencies are recommended to get $555,000 up from about $530,000 in 2025.
- $298,000, up more than $13,000, to Colonial Behavioral Health for its community mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities services.
- $3,700 more for Olde Town Medical & Dental Center, amounting to $125,000. The nonprofit offers services for uninsured patients.
- $1,500 more for Williamsburg House of Mercy,a total of $12,000. The organization serves people without stable housing.
- $1,700 more to FISH, Inc., for a total of $7,000. The volunteer organization provides food, clothing, and houseware to residents in need.
Williamsburg Area Arts Commission recommending $159,000, the same as 2025. This includes $75,000 from James City County and $9,000 in state grants.
- Recommended six groups get more support; eight to get less.
- The largest recipient is the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, which received a $15,000 recommendation, $900 less than last year. The Opera in Williamsburg received a recommended $12,000, a $2,000 drop.
- An Occasion for the Arts and Arc of Greater Williamsburg did not receive funds in 2025 but is recommended for support in 2026. WAAC proposed $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.
- Other increases include the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble (up $250 to $750 total); the Peninsula Concert Band (new request of $500); the Williamsburg Book Festival (up $1,000 to $2,000 total); the Williamsburg Choral Guild (up $400 to $3,900 total).
- Decreases include Access Virginia (down $600 to $1,400 total);, StageLights (down $500 to $1,500 total); Tidewater Arts Outreach (down $650 to $500 total); Virginia Opera (down $1,500 to $7,500 total); Williamsburg Players (down $2,000 to $7,500 total); WHRO Public Media’s Curate series (down $1,500 to $1,500 total).
