SPOKANE, Wash. — Editor's note: The above video is from an April 2024 community meeting regarding the city's budget deficit.
Spokane's mayor proposed the city move from an annual to biennial budget process as it works to address a budget shortfall.
Mayor Lisa Brown announced Thursday her proposal to move the city of Spokane to a biennial budget process beginning next year. This means the city's finance department would budget for a two-year time period rather than a one-year period. The mayor said implementing a biennial budget is the fiscally responsible option for the city.
The proposal comes as the city is navigating a $50 million budget deficit.
“As we navigate ourselves out of our current budget deficit, this move will provide an opportunity for better long-range and strategic financial planning, as well as consolidation of efforts in the budget development and approval process,” Mayor Brown said in a statement.
According to the mayor, moving from an annual to biennial budget process would be beneficial for the city in multiple ways, including:
- Long-term planning and improved opportunity to strategically allocate resources over a two-year period, as well as increased stability to manage economic fluctuations
- Improved resource management through staff and administrative efficiency
- Increased transparency and accountability to enhance community engagement
“Biennial budgeting allows for better decision making and provides greater financial accountability, which will help restore fiscal stability and achieve long-term financial sustainability,” Chief Financial Officer Matt Boston said.
To learn more about biennial budgeting, click here.
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