Priority-Based Budgeting Video and Information

Watch this video to learn more about Priority-Based Budgeting

The City of Kansas City is adopting a new approach to budgeting designed to align resources with what matters most to residents—Priority-Based Budgeting: Investing in Impact.

In the past, the budget carried over items from one year to the next without necessarily reassessing how well these expenses matched current community priorities. This approach worked well for essential services that are needed each year, such as street resurfacing. But what if the goal is to resurface more streets or expand community programs—all within the same amount of taxpayer dollars?

This is where Priority-Based Budgeting comes in. Instead of relying on last year’s budget as a baseline, this method evaluates each program and service based on its importance to residents. It begins by identifying and funding core services that align with the community’s priorities and interests.

By prioritizing in this way, the City can direct funds to the areas that matter most to taxpayers, optimize resources, and ensure public dollars are used wisely. This new approach allows Kansas City to be more responsive to residents’ needs while delivering services with greater efficiency, improving public safety, and enhancing community programs.

Priority-Based Budgeting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a Kansas City that better serves its community every day. Stay tuned to learn more about this approach and how it's helping shape a stronger future for Kansas City.