LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa encouraged community members to participate in the Los Angeles Budget Challenge survey today at the Silver Lake Library. An online survey tool designed to give the community better information and access to the budget process, the Los Angeles Budget Challenge is aimed to make the City’s budget process more transparent and inclusive.

“I believe community participation in the City’s budget process is essential,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “This survey gives everyone the opportunity to explore some of the options we are exploring to balance next year’s budget.”

The City Charter requires that the Mayor receive a list of budget priorities from the Neighborhood Councils each year. Since the beginning of Mayor Villaraigosa’s tenure at City Hall, this responsibility has culminated in Community Budget Day. This year, the City worked with a non-profit policy organization to develop this survey which asks participants to balance a projected $400 million deficit by making decisions on items such as service reductions, furloughs, and revenue-generating initiatives.

Additionally, the survey includes numerous links to educational information regarding the budget process, as well as links to City department programs, services, and reports. Participants are also able to send immediate feedback through a “Take Action” feature that serves as a direct conduit to City Hall for comments, ideas and questions regarding the budget. The survey tool is meant to serve as a public campaign to inform Angelenos about City finances, making the budget process more transparent and accessible.

“We all have a role to play in balancing the budget,” the Mayor said. “I urge everyone to take this survey and share your ideas with us.”

The Los Angeles Budget Challenge may be found here:
labudgetchallenge.lacity.org/ .