DotteTalk, budget workshops and a new online tool are intended to help residents follow the process and share feedback.
The Unified Government (UG) is inviting residents to take part in the early stages of its 2027 budget process, with a public conversation later this month, a series of budget workshops, and a new online budget tool designed to make financial information easier to understand.
The 2027 budget season begins Thursday, April 16. As part of that work, the UG Budget, Strategy, and Research Team will host a community DotteTalk budget conversation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave.
UG staff from several departments are expected to attend and answer questions about the budget process, spending priorities and the financial challenges facing city and county services.
“A key component of the Unified Government’s 2027 budget process centers directly around listening to our community members to fully understand and address their questions and concerns,” said Budget Director Reginald Lindsey. “As we continue to engage with the UG Commission through various budget workshops, we will continue to use the feedback gathered, this year’s community survey data and input from the upcoming DotteTalk to inform the Commission of community needs and concerns.”
According to the UG, this year’s DotteTalk will include a presentation from budget leadership covering spending, revenue, debt obligations and other financial pressures. Residents will also be asked to weigh in on options for balancing the budget, which the UG is required to do under state law.
The conversation will also touch on the Commission’s 2026 priorities, which include improving infrastructure, supporting economic development, improving customer service and communication, and maintaining fiscal sustainability.
Residents can also follow the process through a series of public budget workshops scheduled throughout the spring and summer. The first workshop is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, will focus on a recap of the 2026 budget.
Other scheduled workshop topics include the UG debt strategy on April 23, community survey results and DotteTalk feedback on May 14, revenue estimates on May 21, personnel on June 11, and capital improvement projects on June 24. Additional workshops are scheduled in July and August as needed, followed by the county administrator’s proposed 2027 budget presentation on Aug. 6, a public budget hearing on Aug. 24, and a budget adoption vote on Aug. 27.
The UG has also launched OpenBook, an online budget tool that uses charts, graphics, and articles to help explain how city and county dollars are spent and how the budget process works. The tool is part of a larger effort to improve transparency and make it easier for residents to stay informed.
Residents who want to comment on the proposed 2027 budget will also have a chance to speak during the full Commission public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24.
