The Queen City is ringing in the call for its citizens to pitch in on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. If you've got opinions on how Charlotte should be spending its cash, now's the time to step up. The city's lined up a trio of events in March to dish out the deets on the budget process and gather thoughts from the public.
Mark your calendars for a Virtual Lunch and Learn Session on March 4 at noon, an in-person Budget 101 Session on March 18 at 6 p.m., and a Virtual Community Conversation on March 27 at 6 p.m. Not into events? The FY 2026 Budget Survey is the way to go, and it's open until April 7. Plus, there's the Balancing Act simulator for anyone looking to take a stab at juggling the city's hefty $4 billion budget.
Marie Harris, the interim director of the City of Charlotte Strategy & Budget Department, made it clear that this isn't just about crunching numbers. "The city’s budget is more than numbers – it’s a plan that connects people to opportunities, strengthens neighborhoods and enhances quality of life," she explained in a statement obtained by the City of Charlotte. Harris wants feedback from a broad spectrum of the community to make sure the budget reflects the collective vision for Charlotte's future.
After the city soaks up all that resident input, the city manager will step into the spotlight with the Proposed FY 2026 Budget on May 5. So, if you want a say in what happens on your streets and in your neighborhoods, don't miss out on this chance to be heard.
