Budget Engagement

Mecklenburg County seeks to engage with residents each year during its budget development process through its annual resident budget priority survey, outreach events, and two budget public hearings. Other engagement, such as the Mecklenburg County Budget Simulator, are available throughout the year to provide residents the opportunity to engage with the budget and learn more about how the County funds its services and programs

Build your own budget with the budget simulator tool.

Budget Simulator

Engagement Programs

  • Budget Public Hearings

    A photo of the full CMGC chamber room during a BOCC meeting.

    The public will have an opportunity to provide input on the Mecklenburg County manager's budget recommendations before the budget is adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

    Anyone who wishes to comment at the Jan. 17, 2024 budget public hearing can sign up online in advance.

  • Resident Budget Priority Survey

    Checklist paper and pen.

    The annual resident budget priority survey provides residents the opportunity to share their perspectives on the County’s budget and investments. Responses are collected and presented to the Board of County Commissioners to support their decision-making during the budget development and priority setting process. 

  • Budget Outreach Events

    Growth, whiteboard and business people in a meeting planning company sales or revenue report chart data. Marketing and advertising agency team working on graphs analysis and risk assessment strategy.

    Mecklenburg County conducts outreach events during budget development to provide residents an opportunity to speak directly with budget staff, providing feedback on priorities in the community, addressing areas of interest, and engaging in interactive activities. Check back here for more information on upcoming budget outreach events.

  • Budget Simulator

    Person going over budget with calculator and receipts

    The budget simulator is one of the County’s online tools to help residents understand the budget, including revenues and expenses. Residents can balance their priorities and submit their own budgets through this platform. The results are compiled and shared with the Board of Commissioners.

  • Advisory Boards

    Multiethnic business team in meeting at modern board room

    On an annual basis, the County solicits the feedback of all 18 of its advisory boards on topics that are centered on their respective areas of concern including parks and recreation, air quality, and capital improvement.  

  • Participatory Budgeting

    Mecklenburg County began its participatory budgeting pilot in summer 2022. This process allowed community members to determine how to best address the needs of their communities by turning ideas into actual project proposals and voting on which projects to fund. Mecklenburg County provided $3 million in funding for winning projects. Projects are currently being implemented by the County. 

Learn how you can get involved with County government.

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