Community Engagement with Budget Processes

Summary This research brief explores how profiled districts create opportunities for the community to participate in the budget process. The brief describes strategies that finance administrators at profiled districts use to engage both internal and external stakeholders. The brief also discusses the impact and benefits of community budget feedback at profiled districts. Key observations from our research 1. Profiled districts use small meetings, public forums, student-centered events, and online surveys to engage stakeholders with budget processes. 2. Analyze feedback to determine budget priorities and learn how the community perceives the budget. 3. Increase engagement with the community during difficult financial years. 4. Engaging the community with the budget process may bolster goodwill toward the final budget. 5. Consider the community when developing engagement opportunities to meet the needs of all community members. Download the Report