The Budget Countdown Begins

The city budget season is just around the corner. The release of the our newest Mayor’s proposed budget happens April 1st, and the advocacy community is gearing up for big cuts. There have been more than $120 million in reductions to safety net programs in the last three years. With another $400-600 million city revenue shortfall -- the most yet -- we’re anticipating whole programs on the chopping block.

Do you want to know how best to take action to save city services? Are you curious about the process? Come to one of the many budget trainings taking place at Bread for the City and around the city. These trainings are appropriate for staff of non-profits, curious citizens, volunteers, etc.

Here’s our roundup:

Fair Budget Coalition Breakfast Briefing on Tax and Revenue
9:30 - 11:00 am, Friday February 25th
Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Room 120
Our friends at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute will talk about how tax works and the importance of a balanced approach to the budget, including progressive revenue.

Fair Budget Coalition Meeting
9:00 - 11:00 am, Wednesday March 2nd
True Reformer Building, 1200 U St NW
Guests Eric Goulet (Budget Director for the Mayor) and Jennifer Budoff (Budget Director for the Council) will brief the coalition on the upcoming budget, followed by Q&A.

Bread Budget Training #1
5:30 - 7:30 pm, Monday March 7th
1640 Good Hope Rd SE
Kristi Matthews (Fair Budget Coalition) will lead this training geared toward Bread for the City clients and open to the public. We will talk about the budget process and tools for advocacy.

Bread Budget Training #2
11:30 - 1:30, Tuesday March 8th
1525 7th St NW
Susie Cambria (Consultant Extraordinaire) is leading this training geared toward Bread for the City staff and open to the public. We will learn about the budget process and the roles of various agencies, and discuss strategies for effective campaigns and advocacy.

What’s in Store for FY 2012?
9:30 - 11:30 am, Wednesday March 9th
Goethe Institute, 812 7th St NW
A forum on the latest information and perspectives on the D.C. budget outlook, including panelists Jennifer Budoff, Eric Goulet, Fitzroy Lee (Office of the Chief Financial Officer), Jenny Reed (DC Fiscal Policy Institute).

Bread Budget Training #3
5:30 - 7:30 pm, Monday March 14th
1525 7th St NW
Kristi Matthews will lead this training geared toward Bread for the City clients and open to the public. We will talk about the budget process and tools for advocacy.

Contact me at jpodschun(at)breadforthecity.org or 202-587-0524 to RSVP or learn more about any of these meetings.