Help Create the Next City Budget
The Office of Financial Services, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, hosts community budget conversations across Saint Paul. Every year, the value-based ideas people generate during these events help the Mayor craft a budget proposal for the following year.
What to Expect
During the community budget conversation, you'll work with neighbors to:
- Select from a menu of spending proposals to incorporated into a simulated City budget
- Decide how to raise the revenue needed to create a balanced budget
You'll do these activities using an app called "Prioritize." City staff will facilitate the conversation and help you use the app. The model budgets you create will help the Mayor craft a proposal that expresses the values of Saint Paul residents.
Please note: A smartphone or tablet is required. We'll have devices available for use.
Annual City Budgeting Process
It takes teamwork to create our annual City budget. The Mayor, City Council, City staff, and residents work together to craft a budget that reflects our values.
January to March: Base Budget
At the start of the year, the City finalizes revenue and expenses from the previous year. This "base budget" gives us a starting point to plan for the next year.
April to May: Planning Begins
Each spring, the Mayor asks City leaders to plan for the following year.
The Mayor's team discusses the coming year’s budget with City commissions, boards, and committees.
Meanwhile, the Mayor asks the directors of City departments to start planning their operating budgets for the coming year. The Mayor gives them direction about what to prioritize as they plan.
April to May: Attend a Budget Session
The Mayor, City staff, and City Council members invite Saint Paul residents to join a community budgeting conversation.
- The Mayor hosts seven budgeting conversations, one in each ward.
- Participants work together to model a balanced City budget that matches their values.
- The City uses these models to learn how people want to raise and spend public money.
- The Mayor begins crafting his budget proposal based on community priorities.
The Mayor and City staff host similar sessions in schools and with community groups.