Bloomington City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Story
Bloomington adopts new budgeting approach for 2026 fiscal year
Votes (1)
Update on 2026 Budget Process and Introduction of Priority-Based Budgeting
Deputy Finance Officer Kari Carlson presented an overview of the challenges facing the city's 2026 budget, such as expiring funding and rising costs. She introduced the implementation of Priority-Based Budgeting to enhance decision-making and resource allocation. Carlson also communicated upcoming key dates for public engagement and Council action, including study sessions, a public hearing, and final budget adoption.
Notable Quotes (3)
LIKE MANY COMMUNITIES, BLOOMINGTON IS FACING BUDGET PRESSURES INCLUDING EXPIRING FUNDING SOURCES, RISING COSTS, AND AGING INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES.
WE’RE INCORPORATING A NEW APPROACH CALLED PRIORITY-BASED BUDGETING. THIS NATIONAL BEST PRACTICE HELPS US EVALUATE ALL CITY PROGRAMS BASED ON COMMUNITY NEEDS, ALIGN RESOURCES WITH OUR BLOOMINGTON. TOMORROW. TOGETHER. STRATEGIC PLAN, MAKE DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS, AND INCREASE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
THE GOAL IS TO PRIORITIZE WHAT MATTERS MOST AND MAKE SMART, SUSTAINABLE CHOICES FOR THE LONG TERM.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
The annual budget to fund city services currently under development and review.
The strategic plan that the new Priority-Based Budgeting approach aims to align resources with.
The initial budget and tax levy expected to be set by the City Council.
A public hearing scheduled to discuss taxation related to the budget.