San Antonio Plans Innovative Budget Overhaul for 2027

San Antonio’s Bold Step Towards a Better Budget

San Antonio is getting ready to change things up a bit when it comes to its budget in 2027. The city wants to press the reset button and create a budget that focuses on what really matters to you—the taxpayer and the city council. As Councilman from District 10 noted, this effort is all about smart spending! “If we really want to go where, in my opinion, where we want to go as a city, we got to spend our money better,” he said, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach.

A New Way to Budget

The new budgeting practice Councilman Whyte has initiated is a hybrid method that brings together two important techniques: zero-based budgeting (ZBB) and outcomes-based budgeting. But what does that mean? Let’s break it down.

Zero-based budgeting is a technique where every single expense needs to be justified from scratch, starting at zero. This means that not only new expenses need to be accounted for, but all existing ones do too. This approach ensures that every dollar spent truly aligns with city goals and taxpayer needs.

On the flip side, outcomes-based budgeting looks beyond previous spending and focuses instead on the results the community desires. It’s about asking the big questions: What do we want to achieve as a city? What’s it going to cost? And how can we best allocate our resources to make those outcomes happen? “It’s focused on efficiency; it’s focused on effective use of your costs,” pointed out Dr. David Vequist, a professor at UIW, shedding light on the potential of this innovative budgeting method.

The Need for Change

According to Dr. Vequist, the pandemic has shifted the landscape significantly, making it clear that the city needs to adapt its budgeting practices. While ZBB might take a bit more time than traditional methods, it promotes prioritizing programs that genuinely benefit residents. It encourages finding what works best, which is crucial during these changing times.

In fact, Dr. Vequist even mentioned that there’s potential for artificial intelligence to assist in developing recommendations for future priorities. This modern twist could add an exciting layer to how the city plans its spending!

What’s Next?

City council is set to receive an update from city staff in April, which will provide more insight into this new budgeting technique. They’re also planning to hire a third party to help roll out this new method for the fiscal year 2027. This added expertise will ensure that the process goes smoothly and effectively.

As Councilman Whyte put it, “It’s not going to eliminate a priority for council; it’s just going to make sure the money spent to effectuate that program means we’re only spending what we need for the desired result.” This statement reflects a **commitment to transparency** and **accountability**, aiming to stretch every dollar to achieve the best outcomes for the community.

Final Thoughts

San Antonio’s initiative to revamp its budgeting process is a move toward a more efficient and results-driven city government. By embracing practices like ZBB and outcomes-based budgeting, the city will not only strengthen its financial health but will also align spending with the genuine needs and wishes of its residents. As residents, staying informed and engaged in these discussions will be paramount in shaping a bright future for San Antonio.

Let’s stay tuned for the updates from the city council in April and see how this impactful change unfolds!