Have you ever wanted to know how Milwaukee County creates their budget? You now have an opportunity not only to gain a better understanding of the county's budgeting process but create your own budget for Milwaukee County.
Milwaukee County Executive, Chris Abele introduced a new initiative called #EngageMKE. The initiative is a first-of-its-kind community outreach and education campaign for the entire county. #EngageMKE is designed to give the public more opportunities to make their voices heard on important issues like the County budget.
The initiative recently launched an online app called Balancing Act that allows residents to make decisions to balance Milwaukee County's budget. The app accompanies a series of upcoming budget listening sessions for the public that is facilitated by the Zeidler Center.
Read more below.
From the press release:
The Balancing Act software uses clear and transparent language to describe the County’s revenues and expenses, and then lets users determine their funding priorities – the only catch is, they have to balance revenue and spending, just like elected officials do.
Balancing Act users will begin with a budget that is $40 million in the hole, the same expected structural deficit County leaders will have to address in the upcoming budget. The point of the exercise is to guide users through a decision-making process that helps them understand the many real and difficult decisions policymakers will have to consider in order to balance the County’s budget.
The County is also inviting the community to engage on social media using the hashtag #EngageMKE. They hope this will create an open and honest conversation about the needs of the County and its people.
“I feel strongly that the community should be heard as we make important decisions about where and how to invest our resources into programs and services that empower more people"
Here are the upcoming County Budget listening sessions. You must RSVP to attend.
Tue. August 15th 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. McGovern Park Senior Center 4500 W. Custer Ave. - Milwaukee Mon. August 21st 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Washington Park Senior Center 4420 W. Vliet St. - Milwaukee Thur. August 24th 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wilson Park Senior Center 2601 W. Howard Ave. - Milwaukee
