How to share information about the budgeting process with your residents.

“The community needs to know what you are doing and why. Otherwise, when people don’t have information and they have problems, they assume the worst.” - Mayor, Central Coast City

Keep in Mind

A public information and outreach strategy is an important first step in involving the public in budget decisions.

Why This Approach?

Taking steps to share information about the agency’s budget and budget process serves a number of important purposes. Such information enables residents to:

• Better understand the budget and the local budgeting process;
• Knowledgeably discuss budget issues among themselves and with decision-makers;
• Understand the constraints affecting the allocation of resources; and
• Reach more informed opinions about how limited financial resources should be allocated.

For more information see the notes on budget education and outreach on the right.

Video Examples

County of Santa Barbara: presents a basic overview of how their budget is created and how residents can get involved

Outreach and Education Case Stories From California and Beyond

Below are stories of local agencies using a “Budget Education and Outreach” approach to involve residents in the budgeting process.