COA 2025-26 Budget Process Update Presentation for the Joint Inclusion Committee — original pdf

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Joint Inclusion Committee Budget Process Update Art in Public Places: La Mujer by J Muzacz/Caminos Internship Program, 2022 FY26 BUDGET TIMELINE POLICY INPUT FORECASTING & BUDGET DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DELIBERATION & ADOPTION NEW FISCAL YEAR MARCH 31 APRIL 8 JULY 15 JULY 23 JULY 29 JULY 31 AUG. 5, 7 AUG. 13-15 OCTOBER 1 Board & Commission Recommendations Due Financial Forecast Presentation to Council City Manager’s Proposed Budget Presentation Work Session Work Session Public Hearing and Work Session Work Session Budget Readings & Tax Rate Hearings First Day of the Fiscal Year MAR APR JUL AUG OCT BOARDS & COMMISSIONS BUDGET PRIORITY SURVEY COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS OCT. 1 – SEP. 30 2 BIENNIAL BUDGET PLANNING AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS • Starting with the FY 2024-25 budget, the City adopted a structurally balanced, biennial budgeting approach. • Previously, unmet departmental needs were reviewed annually, but now enhancements are planned for the following fiscal year. • For example, during the FY 2025-26 budget process, most enhancements will be considered for FY 2026-27. • Details of the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget and FY 2026-27 enhancement requests will be available when presented to City Council on July 15, 2025. 2/26/2025 3 BUCKETS NOT VENDORS • Focus on desired outcomes rather than specific vendors when making recommendations. • For example, suggesting that HR implement a paperless timesheet system sets a clear goal without prescribing a provider. • In contrast, recommending $1 million for ABC Enterprises to develop the system restricts management’s flexibility and undermines the competitive purchasing process. • Evaluate whether current programs or services need enhancements to ensure more equitable service delivery. 2/26/2025 4 BUDGET RECOMMENDATION ONLINE FORM • Boards and Commissions are requested to complete an online form after submitting their budget recommendations. • This form allows commissioners to specify which recommendations they want included in the budget development process. • Only one commissioner needs to complete the form, and multiple submissions are allowed. • Access the form here. • For any technical issues or questions, please contact Blake Johnson at blake.johnson@austintexas.gov. 2/26/2025 5 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SUBMITTED? • Recommendations are assigned to the appropriate departments, which then draft responses and assess whether their existing budget can address the issues raised. • Common themes among the recommendations are identified and presented to city leadership alongside other public engagement findings. • Some recommendations require more time for detailed responses, so the Budget Public Engagement Report is periodically updated to reflect responses as they come in. • Just like last year, the Office of Budget and Organizational Excellence will include a reconciliation page in the Budget Public Engagement Report, outlining any new and ongoing investments aligned with Boards and Commissions recommendations. 2/26/2025 6 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS • Biannual Community Survey. A third-party vendor conducts a biannual statically significant survey of Austin residents to assess satisfaction with the delivery of major City Services. • Boards and Commissions Recommendations. Boards and commissions recommendations are provided to departments, management, and Council for consideration during budget development and deliberations. • City Manager Budget Town Halls. The City Manager will present “Your Budget, Your Priorities” – a series of Town Halls outlining the basics of the budget. Each Town Hall will include an opportunity for residents to share their budget priorities and provide feedback. • Council District Town Hall Meetings. City council members host budget-specific district town hall meetings. • Online Budget Priority Survey. A budget priority survey is created in collaboration with a third-party vendor, who uses targeted advertising to ensure statistically significant results. This survey will give residents the opportunity to share their feedback on current City services. Additionally, a similar survey will be made available for all residents to participate and provide input. • Public Hearings. In the months of July and August, public hearings are held for public discussion on the tax rate, utility rates, and City budget, which encourage community conversations around budget priorities. 7 QUESTIONS? For more information on Financial Services and the Budget: austintexas.gov/budget Art Featured: La Mujer is a mosaic mural created by participants in the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center's (MACC) Caminos teen leadership program, under the guidance of local muralist J Muzacz and Caminos coordinator Frederico Geib. This permanent outdoor artwork is located at the Southeast corner of the MACC. Iconic role models featured in the mural include Selena Quintanilla, Dolores Huerta, and Emma Barrientos. The mural celebrates their courage and success as trailblazers in art, music, and dance as well as their dual roles of activists, mothers, and community leaders.