How the Budget is made
Learn how Dallas creates, reviews, and approves the city’s annual budget and where residents can participate along the way.
iN 1 mINUTE…
Creating Dallas’ budget takes about nine months.
City departments identify needs, the City Manager prepares a recommended budget, City Council reviews it, residents provide feedback, and City Council adopts the final budget before the new fiscal year begins on October 1.
think of it like this
Imagine you’re planning a group vacation. Everyone shares what they want to do. Someone creates a proposed itinerary and budget.
The group discusses changes. Everyone agrees on the final plan. Then the trip begins.
Dallas creates its budget in a similar way. The city gathers information, develops a proposal, reviews it, makes changes, and adopts a final budget before the new fiscal year starts.ow to use limited resources to pay for the services residents rely on every day.
How the budget is made
Step 1: Departments Plan
City departments review their programs, estimate costs, and identify future needs.
Examples include:
- Hiring employees
- Replacing equipment
- Maintaining streets
- Expanding programs
Step 2: The City Manager Prepares a Proposed Budget
The City Manager reviews department requests, projected revenues, and City Council priorities.
Using that information, the City Manager prepares a recommended budget.
Step 3: City Council Reviews the Budget
City Council holds budget workshops to review the proposal.
Council members ask questions, discuss priorities, and consider possible changes.
Step 4: Residents Give Feedback
Residents can participate by:
- Attending Budget Town Halls
- Speaking at Public Hearings
- Contacting their City Council member
- Providing feedback throughout the budget process
Public input helps inform City Council before final decisions are made
Step 5: City Council Adopts the Budget
City Council votes on:
- Budget amendments
- The final budget
- The property tax rate
Under Texas law, the budget must be adopted before September 30.
The new fiscal year begins on October 1.
who is involved?
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| City Departments | Identify needs and prepare requests |
| City Manager | Develops the proposed budget |
| City Council | Reviews, amends, and adopts the budget |
| Residents | Share feedback and participate throughout the process |
the budget timeline
- January
- Departments begin planning)
- Spring
- Department reviews & budget preparation)
- Summer
- City Manager prepares proposed budget)
- August
- Budget released
- Budget workshops
- Town halls
- Public hearings
- September
- Council amendments
- Final vote
- October 1
- New fiscal year begins
why this matters
The budget process determines how Dallas will invest public money over the next year. Understanding the process helps you:
- Know when important decisions happen.
- Participate before decisions are final.
- Understand the roles of City Council and the City Manager.
- Follow budget discussions throughout the year
myth vs facts
Myth
Fact
The City Manager decides the budget.
The City Manager prepares a recommended budget, but the City Council reviews, amends, and adopts the final budget.
Residents can only comment after the budget is approved.
Residents can participate throughout the budget process by attending town halls, public hearings, and contacting City Council members before the final vote.
The budget is created in just a few weeks.
Developing the budget is a months-long process involving departments, city staff, elected officials, and the public.
take action
- Attend a Budget Town Hall
- Read the Proposed Budget
- Watch a Budget Workshop
- Contact Your Council Member
Frequently asked questions
Who creates the proposed budget?
The City Manager prepares the proposed budget using information from city departments, projected revenues, and City Council priorities.
Who approves the final budget?
The Dallas City Council adopts the final budget after reviewing the proposal, considering amendments, and voting.
When residents participate?
Residents can participate throughout the process by attending budget town halls, public hearings, workshops, and by contacting their City Council member.
When does the budget take effect?
The City of Dallas fiscal year begins on October 1, so the adopted budget takes effect on that date.
Can City Council change the proposed budget?
Yes. Council members may propose and vote on amendments before adopting the final budget
CONTINUE LEARNING
Build on what you’ve learned by exploring the people and systems that keep Dallas running.
Learn how taxes, fees, grants, and other revenue sources fund the city’s budget.
See how Dallas allocates funding across city departments and services.
Explore this year’s priorities, major investments, and budget changes.
Learn how residents can influence the budget through meetings, public comment, and community engagement.