By Councilwoman Debra Stark, District 3

The City of Phoenix is already planning for next year’s city budget—and we need your input to help shape a budget that reflects the priorities of Phoenix residents. FundPHX is an interactive online tool that was launched earlier this year to help residents better understand how the budget is created, to provide the opportunity to engage in the City’s annual budget process, and to promote transparency.

The City of Phoenix’s $1.4 billion General Fund operating budget funds services that residents in the nation’s fifth-largest city depend on daily. These services include police, fire, libraries, parks, streets, senior centers, public works, and so much more—all services that affect residents’ daily lives.

Every year, the City of Phoenix must pass a balanced budget, as required by City Charter. Phoenix’s participatory budget process includes ample opportunities for public comment and engagement. Now, the process is even more accessible with the FundPHX tool, which is available in English and Spanish.

FundPHX allows residents to try their hand at balancing the City’s $1.4 billion General Fund operating budget. With the interactive tool, residents can see for themselves what each service costs and how much it would cost (or save) to change service levels. Residents can also give feedback on current funding levels and share community priorities with staff.
As residents interact with the tool, more information is available at their fingertips. Each area in the tool is also linked to the citywide inventory of programs to provide more detail by department. Residents can also access previous publications, budget documents, budget process calendars, and more by visiting phoenix.gov/budget.

With the FundPHX tool, engaging in the City’s annual budget process is something residents can do safely at home. The Budget and Research Department will gather feedback monthly and share it with the City Council, city management, and departments to help guide development of the 2021-22 operating budget.

We want to know what is important to you. Try the FundPHX tool today at phoenix.gov/fundphx.