Capital budgeting, and investment, in government finance, is the planning process used to determine whether an organization’s long-term investments such as the acquisition of new assets, operations and maintenance, replacement and repairs, new products, new services and research development projects are worth the funding through the agency’s capitalization structures (debt, equity or service revenues). Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and “Capital planning and budgeting” are central to economic development, transportation, infrastructure, communication, delivery of other essential services, and environmental management and quality of life.

Capital planning and budgeting is a complex process characterized by uncertain long-term projections, political pressures, shortage of resources and demands on a wide range of expertise that requires both operational and financial know-how. Capital funds are always limited, and the future is never certain.

The panel discussions will offer insight into how public agencies manage and allocate resources for major capital, or investment, expenditures. The intent is to share leadership and management strategies that any agency can use to develop high performing capital teams. The underlying goal is always to increase the value of the services to the community, while fostering fiscal responsive and accountable governance.

By viewing this session, participants will be better able to:

✔ Learn best practices for budgeting and planning to support transparency and community involvement in financial management.
✔ Develop strategies to communicate and work collaboratively with departments and stakeholders throughout the budget process.
✔ Understand how to build financial resiliency by analyzing risk, anticipating future trends and challenges, and planning for the unexpected.

Read More: Rethinking Budgeting: Are We Ready for a New Approach?