Our Budget, Forward 2015 "Let's Talk Priorities"

Spending wisely, meeting collective needs, creating the future we want The City of Winnipeg is undertaking a new way to engage citizens in a conversation and consultation process for the 2015-17 Operating Budget and the 2015-2020 Capital Budget.   The City wants to engage its citizens, City Councillors and Public Service in together determining the way forward. This means aligning budget allocation and spending priorities with citizen values and needs while also asking participants to grapple with the costs, consequences and choices necessary to develop and inform fiscally responsible options and solutions. Our perspectives are diverse so we need to have as many Winnipeggers as possible involved in these conversations. March - April 2014 May - June 2014 November 2014 The conversation between May 6 and June 22 is focused on "Let's Talk Priorities" where we're asking you to identify priorities, define levels of service and elaborate on the values and motivations underlying these solutions and choices.  Your values, priorities and needs as they relate to City services are important as they will be used to help provide direction and guidance to initiate the drafting of the operating and capital budgets. In the fall of 2014, we'll have a conversation about wise spending choices and solutions, choices and options for the future we want. Your input will help set this direction, as budget are a tool to deliver the programs, services and projects that make a difference in people's lives. You can participate in OUR BUDGET, FORWARD online, on your own, host a group conversation, attend a BUDGET TALK or visit our Talk Truck around the City. Visit the website for more information  Winnipeg.ca/2015budget There are multiple opportunities to get involved.  Find the right one for you! Host Your Own BUDGET TALK. This is an opportunity to invite a group of friends, family, colleagues or your association, community league, or industry group to work together and have your own budget conversations around some key questions.  Download the "Host Your Own BUDGET TALK Kit" to get you started.   Learn to Host Your Own BUDGET TALK.  If you're looking for more support to help you with how to have these BUDGET TALKS, we're hosting training events just for this purpose.  These sessions will provide you with some basic facilitation skills and understanding of the project discussion tools and opportunities.  At the end of the 2 hour session you will be ready to host your own BUDGET TALK!  Come to one of the "Host Your Own BUDGET TALK" training opportunities: May 21 at the Millennium Library from 1:00-3:30pm May 21 at the Millennium Library from 7:00-9:30pm Want to make your BUDGET TALK public?  Email us at winnipegbudget@dialoguepartners.ca and we will post on our public calendar of events and help you communicate your event, so that others can be part of your conversation too. Want to Host a BUDGET TALK but NEED facilitation help?  We can do that for you!  If your group or organization has 50 or more people and you want to host a conversation, contact us and we will facilitate it for you and help you get organized.  Contact us at winnipegbudget@dialoguepartners.ca, sessions are limited. Attend a BUDGET TALK: Larger groups of people co-hosted by community organizations and groups will discuss values, ideas and priorities related to City services, programs and projects.  Don't forget about our offer mentioned above - we'll help you facilitate and plan these events if you've got 50 or more people. More details, dates and times can be found online May 22, 23 and 24 June 5, 6 and 7 Participate in OUR BUDGET, FORWARD Online.  Access this online tool today to share ideas and generate feedback on key project discussion questions. See what other Winnipeggers value. Download the Our Budget, Forward Discussion Guide  with key discussion questions to answer and submit back.  The Budget Facts Booklet will provide you with the relevant background information you'll need to respond (directions for how to use each of these tools are found within each document). Watch for our Talk Truck. Visit our roving Talk Truck that will be visiting various events throughout the City and have a chance to provide your thoughts and ideas. The first one will be at the International Migratory Bird Day at Oak Hammock Interpretive Centre on Saturday, May 10 from 1:00-3:30pm. Click here for a full calendar of events INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP YOU PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONVERSATION Regardless of how you participate, the Our Budget, Forward Budget Facts Booklet provides you with important information you'll need to know about City services, programs and projects and budgets. Stay tuned for opportunities to participate in the fall of 2014 for "Let's Talk Choices". BRING YOUR BIGGEST, BEST IDEAS. BE A PART OF IT. Check out the project website for more details and background information, Winnipeg.ca/2015Budget Spread the word: Community organizations play a vital role in building and enhancing the City we live in. If you are a member of a community organization and have a newsletter, website or other tool you use to share information with your contacts or networks, let us know. If you would be willing to spread the word about this project, we'll provide you with information on opportunities and events. Contact winnipegbudget@dialoguepartners.ca with your idea, event or communication requirements. Thanks for your support!       Connect with us   Facebook: facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg   Twitter: twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:     You are receiving this email as a subscriber to the SpeakUpWinnipeg.com email list. 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