WASHINGTON: An Indian American-headed county in the key swing state of Pennsylvania has unanimously approved its 2026 budget, marking the first bipartisan county budget in nearly a decade, with major investments in housing, public health, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania’s third-largest county with a population of about 865, 000, adopted the $1.2 billion budget last week under the leadership of County Commissioner Neil Makhija, an Indian American who chairs the Board of Commissioners. County officials described the budget as a data-driven effort focused on local needs at a time of political dysfunction at the federal and state levels.
The budget was approved unanimously, reflecting rare cross-party consensus in a politically influential county that is more populous than four US states and Washington, D.C. Montgomery County plays an important role in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground in US elections.
Under the adopted spending plan, $5.3 million has been allocated to expand housing and homelessness solutions, including new transitional housing across the county. Housing affordability and homelessness have emerged as growing challenges in suburban areas surrounding Philadelphia.
Public health and safety initiatives will receive $7.2 million. The funding is aimed at strengthening emergency communications systems and improving crisis response, areas that county officials identified as key priorities.
Infrastructure accounts for one of the largest portions of the budget. The county has committed $35 million to maintain and upgrade 131 bridges and 75 miles of roads used by millions of residents and commuters every year. Local officials said the investments are critical to maintaining safety and economic activity.
The budget also sets aside $16.6 million to maintain nearly 6, 000 acres of parks, trails, and historic sites. These public spaces attract more than three million visitors annually and are considered a central part of the county’s environmental and recreational assets.
In addition, more than $1.5 million has been allocated to support a stronger, fairer county workforce and improve operational efficiency. Officials said the focus is on better employee support and more efficient county operations.