Budgeting Outcomes and Priorities in Lincoln

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center worked with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Sociological Research to conduct a scientific phone survey of 600 randomly selected residents to solicit public opinion about how the City of Lincoln should spend its tax dollars. The phone survey was a step toward outcome-based budgeting, a process that ties programs to the goals that citizens want local government to accomplish. It aimed to vocalize the needs of the entire community rather than special interest groups. Mayor Chris Beutler was scheduled to make his decisions on the 2008-2009 City budget in May and the budget was released to the public in June. The City Council voted on tentative changes to the Mayor’s budget in July. The public hearing was August 11, and the Council was scheduled to adopt the budget on August 25. Those who are not involved in the phone survey were invited to comment in writing, online, and at public meetings.

Key Partners
City of Lincoln Mayor’s Office; Lincoln Community Foundation; Leadership Lincoln; University of Nebraska Bureau of Sociological Research

Funding
Lincoln Community Foundation grant supplemented with funds from the City of Lincoln

Press Releases from the Mayor's Office
February 12, 2008
March 3, 2008
April 1, 2008
May 29, 2008
June 12, 2008