The Budget Development Process

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The City of Fort Lauderdale is committed to working hand-in-hand with our neighbors to develop the FY 2026 budget. Your voice matters, and we invite you to be a part of the journey!

The Journey

Every January, the City Commission holds a goal-setting workshop to identify the most important priorities for the year ahead. This year, the City Commission's FY 2026 Prioritization Workshop was held on January 21st, 2025 - you can watch the full workshop here. The conversation continues on February 18, 2025, at the 1:30pm City Commission Conference meeting. If you'd like to learn more, please visit: City Commission Meetings.

Once priorities are set, City staff meticulously works on crafting a budget that aligns with the Commission's goals as well as ensuring the prudent use of fiscal resources. Throughout May, each City department presents its budget proposals and highest priority program enhancements to the Budget Advisory Board. These meetings are open to the public, so you are more than welcome to attend, participate in the conversation, and see firsthand how the budget takes shape!

The real fun begins in June when the City releases its preliminary budget - which includes detailed departmental line-item budgets, key department performance metrics, and proposed program enhancements. Then, in July, the City Manager presents a structurally-balanced, proposed budget proposal to the City Commission. At that time, the City actively seeks feedback from neighbors like you through community meetings, online tools, and social media — because your input helps shape the finalized budget!

The budget cycle culminates with two public hearings in September, where the City Commission votes to adopt the annual operating budget and the Community Investment Plan (CIP) for the upcoming fiscal year.

Get Engaged in the FY 2026 Budget!

The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages its residents to take an active role in shaping the upcoming fiscal year budget. There are several ways to get involved, including a few options highlighted below:

Attend a Budget Advisory Board (BAB) Meeting:

The City’s Budget Advisory Board (BAB), which is made up of representatives from each City district, provides input regarding the taxpayer’s perspective in the development of the annual budget. The BAB meets at 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month and more frequently during the month of May. They also schedule joint workshops with the City Commission three (3) times per year.

If you’re interested in learning more about the BAB, visit ftlcity.info/bab or email budgetadvisoryboard@fortlauderdale.gov.

Submit Your Personalized General Fund Proposed Budget:

Through the Balancing Act tool, the City provides a live simulation of the City's Proposed General Fund budget over the summer. The tool offers residents an interactive way to explore, learn about, and influence the City's budget. With this tool, you can adjust revenues and expenditures, evaluate funding requests from City departments, and make informed decisions on City operations. Once you have crafted your ideal budget, you will have the ability to submit your preferred budget directly to the Office of Management and Budget for review and consideration. Take an active role in shaping the City's FY 2026 budget!

Request a Budget Presentation or Discussion:

Whether you are a part of a neighborhood association, business group, or community organization, the Office of Management and Budget can provide tailored presentations to explain the City's budget, priorities, and financial outlook. Staff will organize the session to help you better understand how funding decisions are made and how residents can engage in the process. To request a presentation or schedule a discussion, email the City's Budget Office.

Stay Informed and Dive Deeper into the City's Budget:

The City’s Office of Management and Budget website offers a wealth of resources to promote transparency and keep residents informed about the budgeting process. Explore preliminary budgets with detailed line-item breakdowns, review City replacement plans—including vehicle, public safety, and Information Technology Services (ITS) equipment plans—and access real-time financial data, updated daily, allowing you to segment financials by department, fund, and program. In addition, browse the City's GFOA Distinguished Adopted Budget Books dating back to FY 2002. Visit the website to stay informed and engaged in how your City allocates its resources.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is committed to working hand-in-hand with our neighbors to develop the FY 2026 budget. Your voice matters, and we invite you to be a part of the journey!

The Journey

Every January, the City Commission holds a goal-setting workshop to identify the most important priorities for the year ahead. This year, the City Commission's FY 2026 Prioritization Workshop was held on January 21st, 2025 - you can watch the full workshop here. The conversation continues on February 18, 2025, at the 1:30pm City Commission Conference meeting. If you'd like to learn more, please visit: City Commission Meetings.

Once priorities are set, City staff meticulously works on crafting a budget that aligns with the Commission's goals as well as ensuring the prudent use of fiscal resources. Throughout May, each City department presents its budget proposals and highest priority program enhancements to the Budget Advisory Board. These meetings are open to the public, so you are more than welcome to attend, participate in the conversation, and see firsthand how the budget takes shape!

The real fun begins in June when the City releases its preliminary budget - which includes detailed departmental line-item budgets, key department performance metrics, and proposed program enhancements. Then, in July, the City Manager presents a structurally-balanced, proposed budget proposal to the City Commission. At that time, the City actively seeks feedback from neighbors like you through community meetings, online tools, and social media — because your input helps shape the finalized budget!

The budget cycle culminates with two public hearings in September, where the City Commission votes to adopt the annual operating budget and the Community Investment Plan (CIP) for the upcoming fiscal year.

Get Engaged in the FY 2026 Budget!

The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages its residents to take an active role in shaping the upcoming fiscal year budget. There are several ways to get involved, including a few options highlighted below:

Attend a Budget Advisory Board (BAB) Meeting:

The City’s Budget Advisory Board (BAB), which is made up of representatives from each City district, provides input regarding the taxpayer’s perspective in the development of the annual budget. The BAB meets at 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month and more frequently during the month of May. They also schedule joint workshops with the City Commission three (3) times per year.

If you’re interested in learning more about the BAB, visit ftlcity.info/bab or email budgetadvisoryboard@fortlauderdale.gov.

Submit Your Personalized General Fund Proposed Budget:

Through the Balancing Act tool, the City provides a live simulation of the City's Proposed General Fund budget over the summer. The tool offers residents an interactive way to explore, learn about, and influence the City's budget. With this tool, you can adjust revenues and expenditures, evaluate funding requests from City departments, and make informed decisions on City operations. Once you have crafted your ideal budget, you will have the ability to submit your preferred budget directly to the Office of Management and Budget for review and consideration. Take an active role in shaping the City's FY 2026 budget!

Request a Budget Presentation or Discussion:

Whether you are a part of a neighborhood association, business group, or community organization, the Office of Management and Budget can provide tailored presentations to explain the City's budget, priorities, and financial outlook. Staff will organize the session to help you better understand how funding decisions are made and how residents can engage in the process. To request a presentation or schedule a discussion, email the City's Budget Office.

Stay Informed and Dive Deeper into the City's Budget:

The City’s Office of Management and Budget website offers a wealth of resources to promote transparency and keep residents informed about the budgeting process. Explore preliminary budgets with detailed line-item breakdowns, review City replacement plans—including vehicle, public safety, and Information Technology Services (ITS) equipment plans—and access real-time financial data, updated daily, allowing you to segment financials by department, fund, and program. In addition, browse the City's GFOA Distinguished Adopted Budget Books dating back to FY 2002. Visit the website to stay informed and engaged in how your City allocates its resources.

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What areas should the City prioritize funding enhancements in the FY 2026 Budget?

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