The Mayor’s Budget Address!

Mayor Linda Gorton gave the annual Budget Address where she laid out her priorities for the upcoming Fiscal Year, which starts July 1. The Budget Address kick-starts the budget process for the next couple of months.

The Mayor’s Budget Address was given on Tuesday, April 18th at 3pm followed by the Work Session in Council Chambers. These meetings are all open to the public and you can watch the recording on LexTV. To learn more about Lexington’s FY23/24 budgeting timeline and current priorities as we understand them, visit our website.

A quick primer: How does the budget get made?

In the first couple months of the calendar year, City Divisions and Departments submit their budget requests to the Mayor’s administration. The Mayor’s office then drafts a budget proposal and presents it to City Council for review in April.

Over the next few weeks, Councilmembers will meet in small groups called Budget Links to comb through different sections of the proposed budget. Then, as link groups or individuals, Councilmembers will present any proposed changes to the budget in the Committee of the Whole (COW). There will be public hearing on the proposed budget in May or June, and then Council will vote to approve it.

This process is important because the budget serves as an important barometer of our City’s values and priorities. Though much of the budget is restricted for things like payroll and debt service, some funds are flexible and residents can have an influence on what programs receive funding by reaching out to their district Councilmember or giving public comment at the hearing in May.