The District of Houston is inviting residents, business owners, and property owners to help shape the future of municipal services through a new community engagement initiative focused on Priority-Based Budgeting and Community Priorities.

As our community continues to navigate the financial impacts of the Canfor mill closure, Council is seeking direct input from the people who live and work in Houston to better understand which services, programs, and investments matter most. Feedback collected through this process will help inform future budget discussions and long-term financial planning. You can read the full press release and Fiscal Health Review report at the links below:

What is Priority-Based Budgeting?

Priority-Based Budgeting is an approach that starts with a simple question: What services are most important to our community?

Rather than relying only on historical spending patterns, this process helps Council understand where residents believe municipal resources should be focused. Public feedback will be considered alongside legislative requirements, public safety obligations, infrastructure needs, and financial sustainability as future budgets are developed.

To provide the most meaningful feedback, we encourage residents to complete all three of the following surveys:

1. Community Service Priority Questionnaire

What services are most important to you? Take the survey.

2. Budget Trade-Off Questionnaire

Where should limited resources be invested? Take the survey.

3. Looking Beyond Today’s Budget

What priorities should guide Houston’s future? Take the survey.

Why Your Feedback Matters

Council recognizes that the decisions ahead will be challenging. This engagement process is an opportunity for the community to help identify priorities and ensure future planning reflects the values and expectations of Houston residents. While the surveys are not a vote, the results will be analyzed and used to inform Council’s Priority-Based Budgeting process and long-term financial planning efforts. A summary of the findings will also be shared publicly following the engagement period.

Have Your Say

Every voice matters, and every response helps shape the future of our community.

We encourage all residents, business owners, and property owners to take time to complete the surveys and help build a stronger, more resilient, and financially sustainable Houston.

Contact

For questions about this public engagement initiative or the Fiscal Health Review report, you may contact:

Tim Duhamel, President
Bloom Centre for Municipal Education
780-991-8854
Tim.Duhamel@bloomcme.com