ALEXANDRIA, Va.—While the National Credit Union Administration’s proposed 2027 budget currently reflects a nearly 10% increase over the 2026 plan, agency officials on Wednesday signaled that the final figure will likely be lower.
During the NCUA’s public budget hearing, staff acknowledged “a little spike” in the out-year projection, with the 2027 draft budget showing 9.8% growth. But the agency stressed that the number is preliminary and remains significantly below levels authorized just two years ago.
“While 9.8% growth is significant, the estimated 2027 budget is still $50.7 million—or 12.8%—lower than what the board approved for 2025,” NCUA staff.
According to staff, roughly three percentage points of the projected increase are tied to compensation and non-payroll costs—essentially tracking near the inflation rate. The remaining growth stems from assuming a smaller surplus carryover into 2027. For example, the agency reduced the 2026 budget this year by $3.4 million thanks to proceeds from selling its former Austin, Texas, office building, a one-time event that won’t repeat.
NCUA emphasized that each year the agency historically comes in below earlier projections, and they expect the same pattern again. The agency also hopes to “recover additional past-year funds” that could help offset 2027 costs.
“We’ll sharpen our pencils,” staff said, pledging to refine estimates before the board reviews the final budget. “I also expect this year we’ll be able to recover additional past-year funds,” which would help bring the 2027 number down.
In short, while the projection currently shows a bump, NCUA leaders made clear they expect the final 2027 budget increase to be smaller.