Citizen Cents

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Resident Impact Image
Resident Impact Image

In the fall of 2022, the City of Norfolk undertook a resident survey in partnership with ETC Institute. The survey data regarding resident priorities and satisfaction with city services guided the strategic funding decisions for the FY 2024 budget.

The resident survey represents a random and statistically valid sample of residents from across the city. ETC Institute monitored responses and followed up to ensure all wards of the city were equally represented. Residents not selected in the random sample also had the opportunity to provide feedback. Going forward, a resident survey will be conducted every two years so that we can continue to ensure that our services are responsive to residents' needs and priorities. The main resident priorities that emerged from the survey were:

  • Direct Services to Residents
  • Neighborhood Quality
  • Infrastructure Maintenance and Sustainability
  • Public Safety
  • Public Schools

In the FY 2024 budget $8.5M and 39 full time employees were added to address priorities from the resident survey.

To learn more about the City's FY 2024 budget and the City's revenues and expenditures, you can view the FY 2024 adopted budget document and Capital Improvement Plan below.

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Budget Deadline Image
Budget Deadline Image

There are many sources of revenue and many expenditures and much of it can’t be changed or influenced (state, federal and grants funds are inflexible). 

Just like a household budget, many costs are fixed and can’t be changed.

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The budget is created in a process driven by the calendar. 

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August - September

Long-term Forecast: Cost to maintain baseline services, inflation costs, contract costs submitted. 

October - November

Operating and Capital Requests: Enhancement requests, revenue projections, and capital requests submitted. 

November - December

Review and Analysis: Review and analysis of operating and capital requests. 

January - February

Budget Discussions: Senior leadership reviews recommended requests and finalizes proposed operating and capital budget. 

March - June

Proposed budget is presented to City Council, public hearings are held, amendments are made, and budget is adopted. 

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Year-round Feedback and Other Engagement Opportunities:

  • Contact your council members
  • Review current year budget and reach out to the budget office with any questions 
  • Attend local civic league
  • Attend community events and interact with budget staff (Community Connect, etc.)
  • Fill out Balancing Act for current year adopted budget

March - June 

  • Review proposed budget reach out to the budget office with any questions
  • Fill out Balancing Act for proposed budget
  • Attend public hearings
  • Contact your council members
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Balancing Act Image
Balancing Act Image

The Balancing Act tool is a budget simulation that allows you as a resident to provide input and learn more about the city's programs and service objectives. Balance the budget and explore the trade-offs between providing city services and fiscal stability. Experiment and create your own unique budget solutions and provide comments or feedback

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Test your knowledge of what it costs the city to provide various services or purchase necessary items! 

Test your knowledge of what it costs the city to provide various services or purchase necessary items!




Budgeting can be a challenge when costs are so high. Just like residents who are experiencing higher costs for food, utilities, and other items, the city is also impacted by inflation and increasing costs. To find out more about the cost to provide various services - engage in the Balancing Act Simulation below or refer to the city's FY 2024 Adopted Budget document. You can also contact Budget and Strategic Planning staff at budgetinfo@norfolk.gov to learn more!

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Learn How You Can Provide Input Image
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These are the top five ways to provide input on the City's budget:

  • Balancing Act
  • Contact your council members
  • Work with your local civic league to share community budget needs
  • Attend public hearings for the proposed budget
  • Contact budget staff to learn more: budgetinfo@norfolk.gov.