Yesterday the city launched the "Alameda Budget Challenge," an online, interactive survey that invites residents to experience the policy choices involved in balancing the city's budget. The challenge presents real-world policy alternatives and offers firsthand in-depth exposure to the options the city's decision-makers face in developing a responsible balanced budget.
City Treasurer Kevin Kennedy and Deputy City Manager Lisa Goldman came up with the idea to put the challenge to the test here in Alameda after seeing a similar presentation that a company called Next 10 put on the table for California.
With the survey, the city hopes residents will experience the tough challenges of cutting services when balancing the budget. Each time a participant chooses an option, a budget "slider" moves, showing the consequences of that choice.
Take the "budget challenge" by visiting the city's homepage at www.cityofalamedaca.gov.