Opportunity to voice your thoughts at Community Budget Input Meetings Tacoma residents are invited to participate in the creation of the 2013-2014 Biennial Budget through a series of Community Budget Input Meetings that continue through July in the five City Council Districts across the city. The purpose of the Community Budget Input Meetings is to help residents understand the City's budget development process and provide an opportunity to speak with City officials about current and future budget allocations and priorities. Current projections for the City's General Fund in the 2013-2014 biennium anticipate a budget gap between $60 and $65 million. While arts and culture are certainly not the only thing being considered in these meetings, the City's funding of arts and culture is under discussion and, based on a recent rating by Council, "there is willingness to reduce resource levels" for "Funding for arts and cultural programs". Input collected from residents at these meetings will be used by City staff to help determine how General Fund dollars will be spent on such services as those provided by police, fire, libraries, street maintenance, social services and support for the arts and cultural programs. Meeting Format and Ratings Card The meetings last about 1 hour 15 minutes. It starts with a council member giving an overview for about 15 minutes followed by Tacoma City Manager, T.C. Broadnax, giving a Power Point about the budget situation. Then, there is an opportunity for people to speak - you can sign up to speak in advance of the meeting. Each speaker has 2 minutes to voice their thoughts. Survey Regarding City Services At the meeting there are several items handed out including a rating card of city services that they ask you to fill out. This survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/City_of_Tacoma_City_Services_Questionnaire_2012. Even if you do not attend a meeting, you can provide input and rank service priorities online. And of course, you can pass this link on to your friends, colleagues, neighbors, and anyone else you would like as well. Upcoming Community Budget Input Meeting Schedule * July 9 - 6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club, 3875 S. 66th St., Community Room * July 11 - 6 p.m. at the Moore Library, 215 S. 56th St. * July 12 - 6 p.m. at the Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave. * July 16 - 6 p.m. at the Snake Lake Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St. * July 18 - 6 p.m. at Stadium High School, 111 N. E St. * July 19 - 6 p.m. at Lincoln High School, 701 S. 37th St. * July 23 - 6 p.m. at Baker Middle School, 8320 S. I St. This is the first time that the City of Tacoma has implemented a mechanism for focused community input re: the City's budget. Consider attending, learning more, and making your voices heard! We encourage you to attend, if possible, and join in the conversation. Naomi Strom-Avila Cultural Arts Specialist City of Tacoma 747 Market Street, Room 900 Tacoma, WA 98402 253.591.5191