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We’re excited you’re interested in the budget process for FY23!

The Budget Lifecycle

Before the FY23 budget becomes the adopted budget, the City of Houston has the following steps:

  1. Each department drafts their FY23 budget proposal
  2. Budget guidelines are set out for the departments
  3. Each department puts together their FY23 budgets
  4. Each department submits their budgets
  5. The budgets undergo review by finance, departments, and the Mayor
    1. If the Mayor has requested changes, the Finance Department revises
  6. The following are presented to City Council and to the public
    1. Each Department has 30 minutes to 2 hours to present their budget proposal at “Budget Workshops”
    2. The budget and a 5-year forecast
  7. There is a public comment on the budget
  8. Departments can submit amendments. This could be based on something you say at the public comment!
  9. City Council vote
    1. If the City Council does not approve, changes and amendments are proposed
    2. Finance revises if need
  10. Budget is adopted and goes into effect on July 1

Steps 6 and 7 are key points where we, the public, have the opportunity to be heard. You can call into the meetings and share your priorities and questions.

How to provide public comment on the FY23 budget proposal

Each of the department budget meetings:

  1. Start with a 10 - 15 minute presentation
  2. Questions and comments from city officials
  3. Open comment from the public
    1. To be able to call in to speak, check https://www.houstontx.gov/council/committees/fy2023budgetworkshops.html.
    2. You will be given 1 minute to speak.
    3. A city official will call speakers in order by name to unmute and speak.

Tips & Tricks

Preparing for Attending the City’s Budget Presentations

  1. Sign up on https://houbudget.eventbrite.com for reminders, speaking order updates, and group support.
  2. Draft a script for reference. 1 minute really flies by!
    1. View the proposed budget, look at their responsibilities and divisions, note any major increase or decreases and ask about effect, why, or how
    2. You can ask questions about transparency of what an office/division may be doing, about performance metrics, etc.
    3. Look at the budget presentation for last year. (This year when available). These presentations will have details like programs being run by the department, and unmet needs (e.g. Library FY22), accomplishments
  3. Join a group such as the Data to Dream group! Having a buddy system can help you know when your turn is coming up.

During Presentation

  1. Mute your phone’s mic when you call in. This makes it easier to unmute when it’s your turn!
  2. Be ready to follow up with comment or more questions
  3. Note the names of others speaking who share similar views. Say their names as you start as a reminder to the audience of how many people care about the issue.

Other Surveys

How to Run a Workshop Series

(tbd)

Resources

City Resources

Here are some resources, directly from the City, regarding their budget:

External Resources

Data