Because TOBI doesn’t have a website and I couldn’t find this all easily online, I have copied all the key TOBI information at the end of this message.
The Principles and Values of TOBI pretty much match my own value system so I am obvious supporter. The trick is, with a city the size of Toronto and a machine the size of the budget it’s going to be a long time before resident’s voices have any significant impact on how budget priorities and process are set. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying. Just because something is going to be complicated or messy doesn’t mean we should give up (if we did, how many of us would bother dating!). And there might not be immediate effects. In a world increasingly full of instant gratification, maybe this is a good exercise in change as a process.
I could go on about this, but instead I am going to share with you some of my favourite quotes from the speakers last night about the current state of the Toronto budget process and their hopes for the future.
On why we need to open up the budget to public feedback...
At this point, we don’t even get the chance to tell people what our dreams are
On why youth don’t feel invested in the budget process.....
Youth know the truth. They know the truth that their voices aren’t heard here.
Keegan Henry-Mathieu
On the lack of public consultation
The staff work on the budget for 9 months of the year. With their heads down and their doors closed.
Jane Mercer
On what’s changed under Miller.....
In the last few years, our opportunities for input have diminished
Jane Mercer
On a budget that doesn’t adapt to the changing needs of Toronto
Where is the growth? Where is the learning?
We are asking for a transformation of what democracy looks like in Toronto......we need a process that fits Toronto.
Melissa Wong
Responding to the idea that citizens won’t be able to cut from budgets
We can, as citizens, make hard decisions if they need to be made.....We need to have honest conversations with residents where it’s all on the table.
Melissa Wong
It’s not enough to be critical of what exists but to be constructive.
Winston Tinglin
I endorse the principles and values below. I am going to spend some time thinking about the recommended actions and I welcome your feedback as I reflect on my decision.
Toronto Open Budget Initiative: Declaration
Principles and Values
Given that a city’s budget reflects its priorities and aspirations, Toronto Open Budget Initiative (TOBI) believes a more open budget process will result in greater mutual understanding and a stronger commitment to our city among all residents. Therefore TOBI believes that the City of Toronto, including the Mayor and all City Councillors, should embrace and uphold a more open budget process that reflects all of the following principles and values.
Inclusiveness
• Equity-seeking groups and those not traditionally engaged are empowered to be an integral part of the budget process
• Opportunities for a diverse range of values and perspectives
Accessibility
• Process is accessible to residents of Toronto across the city, and throughout the entire budget process from beginning to end
• Barriers to participation are reduced
• Residents to have access and input into the entire budget cycle
Integrity and Transparency
• Openness and full disclosure in all aspects of the budget process including:
documentation, participation, communication, and decision-making
Influence
• Meaningful and timely input and participation of residents affects priorities, budget processes and decisions
• Provide space and time to weigh options and develop common understandings through an open public process
Accountability
• City to create accountability mechanisms and measurements that are accessible to residents
Flexibility and Transformation
• Openness to consider new ideas, existing and new budget process models
• Results lead to a democratic, resident-centred, open budget process
2010/11 Recommended Actions
Working within the above principles, the Toronto Open Budget Initiative recommends the following actions to be taken to make immediate improvements to the budget process:
Beginning in April of every year, public meetings to be held with City staff at Division level; with Agencies, Boards, Commissions, and Corporations; and on a city-wide basis. Where:
o City to present priorities and issues
o Residents to present their priorities and issues
o City staff to document residents’ input and incorporate into budget decisions
o City to hold meetings in wards and locally
TOBI proposes that a mechanism be set up that will allow the Budget Committee to hold initial public deputations by October on budget recommendations and priorities.
Since capital expenditures affect resources in the current Operating Budget it is
important that the City releases both the Capital and Operating Budgets closer
together so that residents can consider the implications on each other.
o Both Capital and Operating recommended budgets be released before decisions are finalised on either
Recommended budgets are sent to standing committees for review and public deputations
The City should provide more detailed information about its financial position, and help the public access budget information by:
o Establishing a process to enable residents to request budget information from
staff
o Making an inventory of budget documents available to the public
The Civic Engagement Office in conjunction with the community and the Diversity Management and Community Engagement Office develop, resource and facilitate a Residents’ Budget Academy
The audit be tied to public outreach, including:
o More understandable budget materials in process and audit
o Make the audit more user-friendly
Apply the City of Toronto Equity Lens to the City budget and report on the resulting equity analysis
To find out more about the Budget and Civic Engagement, this site might be a good place to start: http://www.toronto.ca/civic-engagement/civics101/index.htm
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