The City of Chattanooga is asking for the community’s input on the upcoming Fiscal Year 2021 budget. Beginning Dec. 2, the City will host three public meetings to get feedback and ideas on how to improve results in the Mayor’s priority areas -- Safer Streets, Growing Economy, Stronger Neighborhoods, and Smarter Students & Stronger Families.
“We create a budget each year to serve Chattanoogans and the best way for us to do that is to hear directly from them,” said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. “We need to know what’s working, what isn’t and how we continue to fund the services that matter most to the community.”
Input sessions are being held at locations throughout the city, but the public is encouraged to attend whichever session works best for them.
"This is the seventh budget created utilizing the Budgeting For Outcomes process, which requires internal departments and external nonprofit agencies to submit new “offers” that clearly explain what outcomes they seek to achieve for citizens and how they will measure their success," officials said.
Members of the public are invited to serve on “Results Teams” to help advise on the creation of the budget and decide how the City's money is spent. Results Team participants evaluate budget offers from City Departments and nonprofit agencies and make recommendations for what should be funded. Applications are now open and those interested can email bfo@chattanooga.gov or visit connect.chattanooga.gov/bfo.
The FY21 budget public input sessions are:
• Monday, Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m. (Districts 1, 2, 3)
North River Civic Center at Northgate, 1009 Executive Dr. #102;
• Monday, Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m. (Districts 7, 8, 9)
4th Floor, Downtown Public Library, 1001 Broad St.; and
• Monday, Dec. 16, 6-8 p.m. (Districts 4, 5, 6)
Family Justice Center at Eastgate, 5705 Uptain Road.
The City will also provide an online survey for citizens who cannot attend any of the public input sessions. The survey may be found at connect.chattanooga.gov/bfo; it will be open until Friday, Dec. 20.