As part of the California Budget & Policy Center’s Policy Perspectives Speakers Series, we presented in partnership with the California Community Foundation, Dollars and Democracy: Understanding County Budgeting in California.
View recording of event webcast:
Event Materials
- View our “Dollars and Democracy: A Guide to the County Budget Process” page, which includes full guide and infographic.
- Chris Hoene’s presentation, Dollars and Democracy: A Guide to the County Budget Process
- Michael Russo’s presentation, County Budget Advocacy
- Strategic Concepts in Organizing & Policy Education (SCOPE) Los Angeles’ power analysis tool and instructions for using it, both referenced during the panel discussion.
This event included two sessions:
Part I: Introduction to the County Budget Process and County Budget Advocacy
This opening session explained the budgeting process in California, including the roles of different key players and what happens when, and highlighted opportunities for advocacy and engagement throughout the year-long cycle. This session also explained how to understand what’s included in a county budget and what it means for the issues you care about.
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- Chris Hoene, Executive Director, California Budget & Policy Center | View Chris’ slides
- Michael Russo, Associate Director of Equity in Public Funds, Advancement Project | View Michael’s slides
Part II: Promising Approaches for Engaging With the Budget Process
What are specific ways to make your voice heard in county budget deliberations and help shape the debate? A local expert panel shared their experiences with public sector policymaking and offered insights into effective ways to engage with the budget process.
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- Tammy Bang Luu, Social Justice Consultant – Moderator
- Lola Smallwood Cuevas, Co-Founder, Los Angeles Black Worker Center
- Veronica Carrizales, Policy and Campaign Development Director, California Calls and Budget Center Board Member
- Solomon Rivera, Chief of Staff, Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson
