Local Budgeting TREND: Equity Budgeting. BLM.

What’s happening? Public Affairs schools are talking about cities taking into account historical inquiries in local budgeting.

Why is this important? In making budget decisions, local budget decision makers are taking the needs of previously disenfranchised members of the population into account when allocating dollars for the next fiscal year.  Lousiville, KY is doing this. Austin, TX has a Chief Equity Officer as does Fairfax County, Virginia.

How will this be important? The lessons of 2020 aren’t disappearing. The impact of systemic racism that Black Lives Matters highlights has made local government officials look at their actions from the taking of their property in redevelopment to inadequate budgeting.

Route Fifty | Equity Budgeting in Cities: Directing Dollars Where They’re Needed Most