Local government | November 23, 2015
Today, the City of Mississauga’s Budget Committee received an overview of the 2016 proposed budget and a presentation on the economic outlook for 2016 from CIBC Economist Andrew Grantham.
The overview included mention of the results from the City’s online budget allocator as of November 9 and other citizen engagement initiatives that in total gathered input from 32,511 people on the proposed budget for 2016. With the economic outlook and input to date from residents, Budget Committee members formally began their deliberations on the 2016 Proposed Business Plan and Budget.
“The process of developing the Business Plan and Budget ensures the City’s resources are spent wisely. It also brings the City’s strategic plan to life by providing the necessary funds to move action plans forward,” said Jeff Jackson, Director of Finance and City Treasurer. “By providing the Budget Committee with resident input and an economic outlook, we are helping to provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions regarding the business plan and budget.”
In his presentation to the Committee, Andrew Grantham, CIBC Economist noted economic growth in Canada is forecast to be modest and that Mississauga is well-positioned economically given the new drivers of the Canadian economy such as finance. His full presentation is available online as part of the meeting agenda.
From September 23 to November 9, the City sought input from residents on the 2016 Proposed Business Plan and Budget in three main ways: via an online budget allocator tool, three tele-town hall meetings and via outreach to seven Mississauga schools.
In the online budget allocator, traffic management was the City service people cited most for increased spending, followed by winter road maintenance. Many comments showed support for the opportunity to provide feedback as well as support for finding efficiencies and cost savings. The full report on 2016 budget engagement is available online as part of the Budget Committee meeting agenda.
The City of Mississauga’s Budget Committee will continue deliberations on the 2016 Proposed Business Plan and Budget November 24 and 30 as well as December 1 and 2. The Budget Committee meeting schedule may change. Please visit the Council and Committee Calendar Listings for up-to-date information.
Clear information about the City budget and the budgeting process is available online at mississauga.ca/budget. Throughout deliberations, residents can participate in the budget process in the following ways:
Media Contact:
Carley Smith DeBenedictis
Senior Communications Advisor
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200, ext. 4203
carley.smith@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151