By Esther Crompton, Biswa Das, ISU
AMES, Iowa – As Iowa’s cities and counties face tighter budgets, shifting demographics and changes in local tax bases and levy rates, local governments are being asked to do more with fewer resources. A webinar from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will explore how involving residents more directly in budgeting decisions can help communities meet those challenges while building public trust.
Stronger Together: Building More Responsive Budgets in Local Government will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. The webinar is part of the Local Government Education Webinar Series and will highlight strategies to make local budgets more transparent, adaptive and community driven. The registration fee is $15, and advance sign-up is available.
“As Iowa’s local governments navigate evolving financial pressures, engaging residents in budgeting is no longer just beneficial, it’s essential for identifying community priorities and making crucial decisions,” said Biswa Das, associate professor and community development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This webinar will equip participants with pragmatic strategies and tools to build transparent, community-centric budgets.”
The webinar is designed for city clerks, finance officers, county auditors, treasurers, elected officials, councils of governments and other stakeholders involved in local government finance and planning.
The 90-minute session will provide a clear understanding of community-engaged budgeting, practical strategies for city and county implementation, and tools to make spending decisions more transparent and aligned with local values. Breakout discussions will allow participants to share experiences and explore how public participation can strengthen trust and improve outcomes when resources are limited.
Presenters include Das, who will share case studies from Iowa communities that have successfully engaged residents in local budgeting, and Erin Mullenix, research scientist and evaluation specialist, who will talk about the importance of timely public engagement as budgets and community needs evolve amid current economic conditions. Julie Aberg Robison, program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach, will facilitate peer conversations during the breakout sessions.
“Community input can uncover priorities that numbers alone can’t show,” Mullenix said. “It also builds the engagement local governments need to navigate difficult choices, especially in a challenging fiscal environment.”
For more information about the webinar, visit the Local Government Education website or contact Esther Crompton, communication specialist, at eecrompt@iastate.edu or Biswa Das at bdas@iastate.edu.
