Council Budgets

Want to have some input into the council budget and annual plan? Propose projects? Suggest the bike budget amount?

Annual timeline:

• Dec-Jan: Council officers are coming up with ideas and proposals for 'budget bids'. Chat with any you know (or could get to know), whether traffic engineers, transport planners, parks managers or environmental project staff. See whether you can interest them in your suggestions.
• Jan-Mar: Managers, directors, CEO & Mayor are sifting and refining budget bids.
• Mar-Apr: Councillors are involved in negotiations for the draft budget (usually called "management plan"). Are they supportive of your suggestions?
• May: Council must exhibit their draft management plan for public comment and must 'take into account' public submissions. They often don't get many, so a well presented submission or comment can work very well, especially if you've done the background work.
• June: Councillors decide on the final management plan (budget).