Guam’s mayors say that they’re doing more work than ever – taking on the responsibilities of multiple agencies – with limited to no funding to match it. In a passionate presentation to lawmakers, the Mayors Council of Guam defended their budget request for Fiscal Year 2026.

From clearing roads to supporting community programs and sheltering residents during storms, Guam’s village mayors say their workload goes beyond cutting grass.  “Our mayors are at the front lines and increasingly they are expected to do more with less," explained Joyjean Arceo, the council's executive director.

This fiscal year the Mayors Council of Guam is asking for $20.9M – $3.7M more than last year, and $11M more than what the governor has recommended. And yet, the council says it only found out about the governor’s proposed budget during the hearing itself.

“Well, I would have hoped that we could communicate so that we can be responsible and responsive to our needs," she said.

"I agree," noted mayor of Sinajana Robert Hofmann. "I think they just plug in a number as a placeholder.”

And the issue isn’t just how much money each village is receiving – but also how they’re allowed to spend it.  “If granted greater autonomy in procurement or local contracting, we want to be ready to carry out those duties with full accountability from day one," said Arceo". Meanwhile, ongoing training ensures compliance with existing rules and procurement procedures.”

Right now, mayors say delays in procurement – like waiting for approval for vehicles or heavy equipment – are slowing down the very services their communities rely on every day. That frustration echoed by multiple village leaders.

“We serve the entire island and yet we only get a smaller amount," Yigo's mayor Frances Lizama said, with her vice mayor, Pedro Blas, adding, “Some days we’re firefighters, police officers, Mr. Rubbishman, animal control, land management, the middlemen for connecting our communities to government information and resources.”

“Rather than even considering lowering our budget even by a dollar, take a look at, for example, DPW. If DPW’s budget is allotted $19M to take care of roadsides, then take that $19M and give it to us so that we can divvy that up – $1M to each mayor – so we can take care of our highways, secondary and tertiary roads as well," said Arceo.

The Mayors’ Council says the issue isn’t about politics – rather it’s about being properly equipped to deliver on the growing expectations of their residents: clean neighborhoods, safe roads, and responsive leadership.

But to do that, they need a budget to match and the flexibility to use it.