Mayor Vi Lyles | City of Charlotte website
Mayor Vi Lyles | City of Charlotte website
The City of Charlotte is reaching out to its residents to gather their input on budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The city is hosting several listening sessions and providing online tools for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.
According to Ryan Bergman, director of the City of Charlotte's Strategy & Budget Department, "Residents are the vital threads that weave our budget together. Active participation in budget engagement is not just a civic duty but a catalyst for shaping a financial landscape that truly reflects our community's collective needs."
The city has scheduled four budget listening sessions to be held in February and March. Two of these sessions will be virtual, taking place on February 13 at 5:30 p.m. and February 20 at 9 a.m. The other two sessions will be held in-person at the Eastway Recreational Center on March 14 at 6 p.m. and virtually on March 20 at 11:30 a.m.
In addition to the listening sessions, residents can also share their feedback by taking the FY 2025 Budget Survey and using the Balancing Act simulator. The Balancing Act tool allows residents to test their budgeting skills and contribute to the city's more than $3 billion budget.
Once feedback from residents has been collected, the Strategy & Budget Department will hold workshops for City Council in April and May. The city manager will then present the recommended budget on May 6. A public hearing on the FY 2025 Proposed Budget is scheduled for May 13.
Residents are encouraged to participate in these opportunities to have their voices heard and help shape the city's budget for the next fiscal year. The city will be streaming council workshops and presentations on the GOV Channel and YouTube for those who are unable to attend in person.
The City of Charlotte is committed to ensuring that the budget reflects the needs and priorities of the community. By seeking input and actively involving residents in the budgeting process, the city aims to create a financial landscape that truly serves its residents.
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