Balancing Act is a fun and easy way for residents to learn about public budgets and the choices their elected officials face in the budgeting process.

It allows participants to try allocating funds— expressing their priorities and preferences — but also requires them to balance spending and revenue. Balancing Act was designed for those individuals interested in taking an active role in making their community better by sharing their voice. Budgets are, arguably, the most direct way a community expresses what is important. Should the focus be parks and recreation? Public health? Police? Helping the homeless? If the answer is yes to all—how are we going to pay for it?