How Community Engagement Helps Leaders Make Tough City Budget Decisions

Written by Polco Webinars | September 4, 2024

Cities nationwide are facing budget shortfalls. Research shows resident engagement around budget issues drives better success through downturns.

Thought leaders in the field challenge local governments to incorporate resident perspectives into the decision-making process, create buy-in, and best serve community priorities and values.

Polco presents this webinar in partnership with the National League of Cities (NLC). In this video, learn how to productively engage residents around the city budget, tax initiatives, and more. You’ll get practical information to help you modernize budgeting, make the best possible decisions in tough economic times, and become more resilient.

Webinar Show Notes

Speakers:

Chris Adams, Executive Strategist and Founder of Balancing Act From Polco
Noel Nix, Director of Community Initiatives, the City of St. Paul, Minnesota
Kurt Thurmaier, Distinguished Engagement Professor, Department of Public Administration, Northern Illinois University
Tobin McKearin, Vice President of Data Science, Polco
Angelica Wedell, Communications Director, Polco

Four Takeaways Regarding Engagement Around the City Budget

1. Resilience. Community input leads to better sustainability in government financing.

2. Rethinking Budgeting. Along with stakeholder feedback, the right resources are key to successfully modernizing outdated budget processes.

3. Economic Impacts. Research shows that the local economy is ranked as the top most important community need by both elected officials and residents.

4. Public Education and Empathy. Resident engagement allows local governments to generate buy-in and understanding, despite budgeting cutbacks.

Free Resources for Government Leaders

Polco brings people and data together to help build better connections and stronger community outcomes. Explore tools for performance measurement, budgeting, engagement and more.

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