News Summary
The City of Savannah is inviting residents to participate in the FY26 Budget Priorities Survey, aiming to gather public feedback on city services and budget priorities. The survey, part of the Speak Out Savannah initiative, focuses on various issues including service satisfaction, taxes, and community needs. Open until August 31, the initiative encourages community engagement and aims to shape the city’s budget effectively. Paper copies of the survey are also available for those who prefer them, ensuring all residents can participate in the budgeting process.
Savannah is actively seeking public input for its Fiscal Year 2026 budget priorities through an initiative aimed at engaging residents in city planning. The City of Savannah’s Office of Management and Budget launched the FY26 Budget Priorities Survey in May, inviting residents to share their views on crucial city issues and service satisfaction.
The online survey, part of the Speak Out Savannah initiative, is designed to collect public feedback on various topics, including City Council priorities, the quality of city services, preferences regarding taxes and fees, and suggestions for cost savings or improved service delivery. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey, which takes about 15 minutes and guarantees anonymity for all responses.
The survey will remain open for feedback until August 31. The information gathered will play a vital role in shaping the city’s budget decisions for the coming year. City officials have stated that they will share the survey results with the public in a comprehensive data set later this year, underscoring the importance of incorporating resident feedback into the budget planning process.
In addition to the online survey, paper copies are available at all City Community Centers, the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center, the Coastal Georgia Regional Center, and six branches of the Live Oak Public Library system. This accessibility aims to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to participate in the budgeting process.
Last year, Savannah’s budget exceeded $600 million, and the anticipated budget for FY26 is expected to be even larger, reflecting the city’s growth and expanding service needs. City officials emphasize the significance of crafting a budget that aligns with the community’s values and priorities. They have noted that feedback regarding essential services such as public safety, affordable housing, parks, and stormwater improvements is particularly crucial during this planning phase.
A recent meeting held at the JA Colonial Group Discovery Center on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong campus provided residents with a platform to voice their opinions directly to city staff. This session was part of a broader effort to incorporate community discussions into the budgetary process.
As Savannah moves towards the new fiscal year, one area of increasing concern among residents is storm drainage issues. These concerns are becoming a prominent priority in budget discussions, emphasizing the need for effective infrastructure solutions to address flooding and drainage challenges in the city.
Senior Budget Analyst Krishon Seastrunk has highlighted the city’s commitment to integrating public input into its budgetary decisions. The integration of both online feedback and in-person meetings reflects an effort to create a transparent and inclusive budgeting process where all voices are heard and considered.
In summary, the City of Savannah is calling on its residents to engage in its budget planning through the FY26 Budget Priorities Survey. With the deadline for submissions set for August 31, residents are encouraged to provide their insights and opinions, ensuring that the city’s fiscal plan meets their needs and addresses the community’s most pressing issues.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: City Invites Residents to Give Feedback on FY26 Budget Priorities
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- WSAV: Savannah Invites Public Input on 2026 Budget Priorities
- Google Search: Savannah budget priorities
- WTOC: Savannah Mayor Discusses City’s Budget Priorities Survey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Budget
- Savannah Now: Savannah GPS is the Guiding Strategic Plan for City Budget Priorities
- Google News: Savannah budget
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
