A Collaborative Budget Process (2010 LGAA)

City of Binghamton
County: Broome County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
City Hall: (607) 772-7000

In 2006, the City of Binghamton faced severe financial challenges, and despite the cost-savings reforms that flowed from commissions and similar measures, the national economic crisis that started in 2007 only exacerbated the City's fiscal difficulties. As a result, Mayor Ryan took his commitment to partnership to the next level in a three-part initiative known as the Collaborative Budget Process. The first part of this initiative was the 2010 Interactive Budget Module, which allowed any resident to create their own budget, and then see how their decisions would affect their property tax bill. The second part entailed bringing all seven members of City Council into the 2010 Budget Process from the very start to allow for greater input. The third part of this initiative involved extending the budget process several weeks to allow for more accurate financial projections for 2010. Using these measures the City was able to create a process in which residents could take direct action in the improvement of the City's fiscal state.