The City of Vancouver is currently preparing its 2021-2022 budget, and is facing an $8 million deficit going into 2021 due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenue from some taxes and fees.
In response to this, the city invites the community to provide input on how to “balance the budget” using an online budget simulation tool, a series of short surveys, and an ideas board on its community engagement website. Community input is welcomed through September 30, 2020.
The budget simulation tool allows residents to provide input on where they think the city should make cuts and investments in its General Fund. The General Fund is the portion of the city’s budget that uses revenues that are not restricted for a particular purpose to pay for a wide array of services, including police, fire, streets, parks and recreation, economic development, and more.
The surveys seek community perspectives on a variety of topics, including safety, employment, housing, racial equity, access to services, and community engagement. Residents can also post ideas about how the city should fund programs, initiatives, and departments.
The city will use the feedback it receives to help inform the decisions made about its 2021-2022 budget. Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes will propose a budget to Vancouver City Council during a series of council workshops and meetings in the coming months. City council must adopt the city’s 2021-2022 budget by the end of the year.
