As in past years, BDS’s budget development process will be participatory and will involve a large number and variety of stakeholders, including:
Budget Request for FY 2018-19 Budget
All City bureaus are required to form Budget Advisory Committees (BACs) that include representatives from bureau management, employees, customers, community members, and other stakeholders. The BDS BAC has historically included representatives from several groups:
- DRAC (Development Review Advisory Committee)
- Development industry
- BDS (employees and managers)
- Community organizations
- Neighborhoods
The BAC evaluates the BDS budget request in light of the City’s budget directions, BDS’s budget goals, and the needs of customers and the community. The BAC will meet several times during the budget preparation process (October 2018 through January 2019), and will submit a report with our budget request. All BAC meetings are open to the public.
Interested in joining the BAC?
We’re looking for BDS customers, industry and community stakeholders, and/or people who have an interest in BDS’s budget and work to join our BAC. If you might be interested, please contact Mark Fetters or call him at 503-823-1028.
Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC)
The DRAC reviews the budget at a more global level. The DRAC provides input on permit and land use fees and has been involved in ensuring that the development review process works well. Understanding the budgets, service levels, and fees of the other City development bureaus continues to be a high priority for DRAC.
BDS Financial Advisory Committee
The Financial Advisory Committee is composed of local economists and industry representatives along with City economic and finance staff. The Committee reviews our long-range financial projections, which are instrumental in setting parameters for our budget. The Committee has provided valuable feedback and suggestions for improving our financial planning. The Committee will meet at least twice during the budget planning process.
BDS Employees and the budget development process
BDS employees will have multiple opportunities to be involved in the budget development process. All BDS workgroups take time in staff meetings during the fall to discuss budget needs and ideas. The bureau also hosts Budget Drop-In Sessions, where employees can ask budget questions and share ideas. Finally, some BDS employees will participate on the BDS Budget Advisory Committee.
BDS Labor Management Committee (LMC)
The BDS LMC will review and discuss the budget primarily during its regular monthly meetings, and will be provided with detailed financial information, such as budget line items for each bureau division. This will allow for better familiarity with the bureau’s operation and aid in the LMC’s review and endorsement of the final budget recommendations.
For More Information about BDS’s FY 2019-20 budget process, please contact BDS Finance Manager Kyle O’Brien at 503-823-7323 or Mark Fetters at 503-823-1028.