A strategic budget is the foundation on which  local government services are built on. Taking a strategic approach to budgeting allows administrators to create a roadmap to guide resource allocation and pivot as needed to address changing priorities and emerging community needs.

Local governments play a critical role in addressing the social, economic, and public health challenges endemic in their communities. By enacting outcome-focused policies and allocating funds to high-impact programs, decision makers can create an infrastructure that supports a high quality of life for 
their residents.

Governments must continually juggle multiple issues of immediate importance. Resource scarcity and organizational constraints make it difficult to address "new" issues such as climate action. However, local governments don't have the luxury of not preparing for the impacts of climate change. They have the unique opportunity to lead local climate action by helping their communities adapt to climate change and reducing emissions.

Local governments and community healthcare services are often pressed for resources. This can lead to gaps in social safety nets that provide essential health and wellness services to residents.

The City of Pittsburgh Launches New Budget Transparency Tool on City Website
See how the city uses taxes through the budget to meet resident priorities. You can explore budget spending data and join the conversation!

Our world doesn’t just feel different than it felt a decade ago—it is different. These changes are felt most acutely at the community level as we grapple with complex issues like climate change, social inequity, and rampant public health crises.

If you have ever attempted to assemble or repair something with the wrong tool, you know how difficult it can be.

Author Ryan Holiday said, “The obstacle in the path becomes the path.”

Program budget development is the critical piece that has been years in the making...

So much has changed in local government budgeting since Shayne Kavanagh (GFOA) and Chris Fabian (ResourceX) wrote their 2015 ground-breaking essay "The Challenges and Promise of Program Budgeting."

How Governments should think about Revenue, Resilience post COVID Lockdowns