Budget Archive

2025-26 Budget 2023-24 Budget 2021-22 Budget 2019-20 Budget 2015-16 Budget

How the City Develops the Budget

Vancouver’s budget is developed biennially. The budget process assigns resources to the goals, objectives, and community priorities set by the City Council. New programs are added based on Council service and program priorities. Under the City Charter, the City Manager prepares and recommends an operating budget and a capital improvement program budget for consideration and adoption by the City Council.

Community Involvement

Community involvement is an important part of the City’s budget process. As part of budget development, residents can share their perspectives through an upcoming community survey and an interactive prioritization tool. The City also draws on ongoing input gathered throughout the year at public meetings, boards and commissions, and other project‑specific engagement efforts. Together, this feedback helps inform budget decisions and ensures the City remains focused on community priorities.

Budget Schedule

The City’s biennial budget is reviewed by City Council in a series of public workshops and a public hearing. The schedule is as follows:

• April 27 – Budget Foundation and Forecast Workshop
• May 6 – Revenue Options Workshop
• June 10 – Revenue Strategy and Direction Workshop
• June 12 – 21 – Biennial Citizen Survey Open
• October 1 – City Manager’s Recommended Budget Published
• October 14 – Operating Budget Workshop
• October 28 – Capital Budget Workshop
• November 4 – Finalize Budget and Ordinances
• November 18 – First Reading of Budget Ordinances
• December 2 – Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption
• January 1 – Operating and Capital Budgets go into effect