Bloomington Adopts Priority-Based Budgeting for 2026
The City of Bloomington will implement a new priority-based budgeting approach for its 2026 budget process to address mounting financial pressures, Deputy Finance Officer Kari Carlson announced during a recent update to the City Council.
The city faces budget challenges including expiring funding sources, rising costs, and aging infrastructure and facilities, according to Carlson's presentation. The priority-based budgeting method represents a national best practice designed to evaluate city programs based on community needs and align resources with the city's "Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together." strategic plan.
The City Council will hold a budget study session on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, where Carlson will present budget information and options for consideration. The session will include an opportunity for public comment before council discussion begins.
The council is expected to set the preliminary 2026 budget and levy on Sept. 8, with budget refinement continuing throughout the fall. A truth-in-taxation public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8, followed by another study session on Dec. 15.
Final budget adoption is scheduled for Dec. 22. The annual budget funds city services including public safety, public works, and parks and recreation. Residents can find more information at blm.mn/budget.
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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.
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2026 Budget Process and Priority-Based Budgeting
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