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Mayor Brown Proposes Move to Biennial Budget

Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740

Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 9:29 a.m.

Mayor Lisa Brown announced Thursday her proposal to transition the City of Spokane to a biennial budget process starting in January 2025.  

The City currently prepares and manages its budget on an annual basis. Mayor Brown’s proposal, which is permissible under Washington State’s Municipal Biennial Budget Act, would instead order the Finance Department to budget over a two-year period.  

Benefits to biennial budgeting include:  

  • Long-term planning and improved opportunity to strategically allocate resources over a two-year period, as well as increased stability to manage economic fluctuations 
  • Improved resource management through staff and administrative efficiency 
  • Increased transparency and accountability to enhance community engagement 

“Implementing a biennial budget is the fiscally responsible thing to do. As we navigate ourselves out of our current budget deficit, this move will provide an opportunity for better long-range and strategic financial planning, as well as consolidation of efforts in the budget development and approval process,” Mayor Brown said.  

“Biennial budgeting allows for better decision making and provides greater financial accountability, which will help restore fiscal stability and achieve long-term financial sustainability,” Chief Financial Officer Matt Boston said.  

Click here to watch Mayor Brown explain the benefits of moving to a biennial budget.