Community:City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles County)
Population: 4,045,873

Summary: An Annual Approach

The City of Los Angeles conducts an annual budget survey as part of a larger public involvement process. Survey participation has increased each year, and the city received about 5,000 responses in 2008 from a combination of online and handwritten surveys.

While it’s not a representative sample, the staff member responsible for project coordination believes that it helps residents feel they have a voice in the budget process. The city has been working with a consultant to create an interactive online survey based on a statewide project called “The Budget Challenge.” This survey will include questions about tough choices. Elected officials are hoping the new format will encourage high levels of participation.