"The 2026 Budget Prioritizes the Well-Being and Comfort of Our Citizens" – Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan
The Yerevan Council of Elders approved the 2026 budget during its year-end session. The outlined programs expand on reforms already underway across various sectors of the city’s economy, aiming to create a well-organized and comfortable environment for residents. In 2026, a number of important projects will be implemented in Yerevan:
Construction will begin on the Isakov–Arshakunyats road section, the Kievyan Bridge and the "Lambada" transport hub will be reconstructed. 45 more trolleybuses will be procured, renovations of the trolleybus park depot and administrative building will continue, marking the first major reconstruction in 60 years. To enhance city cleaning works, 20 handheld vacuum cleaners and 12 dump trucks will be acquired.
In the coming year, the construction of a new irrigation system will continue, 104 courtyard areas will be renovated to include modern playgrounds and football fields, another 200 elevators will be replaced, and community healthcare centers will be equipped with new medical equipment. Various recreational areas will be upgraded, 13 kindergartens will undergo comprehensive renovation, including the outdoor areas. Kindergartens will be equipped with video surveillance systems and new furniture, while municipal music and art schools will receive musical instruments. Major initiatives will also address road reconstruction, infrastructure modernization, and a range of other sectors.
The programs outlined for 2026, along with the allocations, are available at the following link.
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Another decision by the Council of Elders has established new exemptions regarding local taxes and fees in Yerevan. This measure imposes stricter conditions for the provision of privileges to developers who have violated the Council’s decisions on proper construction site maintenance, particularly regarding the installation of required dust protection nets. At the same time, developers who fully comply with these standards will be incentivized.
Specifically, those applying for a building permit extension will be eligible for an 85% discount, provided they incur no administrative penalties during the 2025–2026 period.
Details on the local tax and fee exemptions established for 2026 are available at the following link.
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To mitigate the environmental impact of construction in Yerevan, the Council of Elders has adopted new regulatory requirements. Developers of Category 4 and 5 (high-risk) projects are now required to install water cannons or other sprinkler systems with a spray range of at least 40 meters. This equipment must be operated to maintain at least 8% relative humidity in the top centimeter of the soil layer.
Furthermore, developers must store and transport all bulk materials, including sand, cement, plaster, gravel, and excavated soil, in sealed containers or closed packaging. Any vehicles used to move these materials must be equipped with specialized dust-control covers.
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The first meeting of the 6th session of the Yerevan Council of Elders will be convened on February 10, 2026.