Press Releases

In developing the 2013-2014 Budget, the City of Fort Collins has invited Fort Collins residents to serve on Results Teams. Results Teams are responsible for evaluating City services based on how well they achieve one of seven “key results,” or community priorities and making recommendations about which services should be funded. This is the first time that community representatives have been involved with the budget process at this level.

The following list details the seven key results and the community member who is serving on each Result Team:
Economic Health -- McCabe Callahan, Mugs Coffee Lounge, Downtown Development Board member
Environmental Health -- K-Lynn Cameron, Legacy Land Trust, Land Conservation and Stewardship Board member, CityWorks 101 past participant
Community and Neighborhood Livability -- Kristin Kirkpatrick, CanDo Coalition, Planning & Zoning Board member
Safe Community -- Gary Thomas, SAINT Volunteer Transportation, Transportation Board former member
Culture and Recreation -- Carol Ann Hixon, Fort Collins Symphony Board of Directors, Cultural Resources Board member
High Performing Government -- Stacey Baumgarn, Energy Board member, CityWorks 101 past participant
Transportation -- Rick Reider, Homes By Campus, Building Review Board member, CityWorks 101 past participant

“I am pleased that, for the first time, we are including community members in this stage of our budget process,” said City Manager Darin Atteberry. “These are engaged, informed Fort Collins residents, and their participation will not only allow greater transparency in our budgeting efforts, but will also provide a valuable perspective to ensure that we are funding the services that our community needs and wants. I am very grateful for their commitment and their perspectives.”

Budgeting for Outcomes
Since 2005, the City has used Budgeting For Outcomes (BFO) to develop the biennial budget. BFO takes available resources and allocates them to the highest priorities. It emphasizes accountability, innovation and partnerships, in order to creatively and efficiently provide programs and services.

The goal is to fund the efforts that will achieve the community priorities as identified by City Council. These priorities are also known as Key Results

Council allocates funding to each of the Result areas, and Results Teams, comprised of City staff and a community representative, prioritize related services.

The Results Teams then rank services and recommend them for inclusion or omission from the City Manager’s recommended budget, based upon the service’s merits and the resources available. That prioritized list clearly defines which offers are recommended for funding, and which are not.

The City Manager’s recommended budget will be presented to City Council in early September; the Council will then spend the fall hosting budget hearings, and making any revisions to the budget prior to final adoption in November.

Public Participation
Participation from Fort Collins residents is vital to the 2013-2014 Budget process. In addition to citizen involvement with each Results Team, this year the public will be able to provide direct input on the budget earlier in the process. That feedback will be used by Results Teams and City staff in developing the City Manager’s Recommended Budget and ultimately it will be used by City Council as they make revisions and finalize the 2013-2014 Budget.

In June, residents will be able to view and provide input on the initial list of funded and unfunded services, as recommended by the seven Results Teams. Two public forums will provide citizens an opportunity to talk with City staff and make funding recommendations in person. Specific dates and locations will be announced later this spring. In addition, a comprehensive online tool will also be available which will allow residents to view the ranked funding lists, and provide feedback on what changes should be made.

This input will be used to develop the final recommended budget that is presented to City Council.