City of Dallas’ budget season is in full force. Here’s how you can get involved.

The City of Dallas has two months to approve its 2026-2027 budget, with multiple opportunities for residents to impact the process.

The city’s current fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30, has been plagued by a budget crisis. Low sales tax revenue, high employee health expenses and police overtime costs have resulted in a $30 million budget shortfall and temporary employee furloughs.

In a budget report for a canceled June meeting, staff emphasized that “difficult decisions” are needed to close the budget gap.

As a result, the city has asked various departments to explore service cuts. Proposed cuts to libraries and community centers have drawn scrutiny from residents and council members alike.

City Manager Kimberly Tolbert is set to present her recommended budget to the council on Aug. 11, followed by budget town halls by each council member. The City of Dallas must approve the budget by the end of September.

Here’s the timeline for the budget process-

Aug. 11– City Council Budget Workshop: City Manager’s recommended budget
Aug. 11 to 25– Budget Town Hall Meetings- click here for full list
Aug. 19– City Council Budget Workshop
Aug. 25– Budget Public Hearing
Aug. 26– City Council Budget Workshop
Sept. 2– City Council Budget Workshop: City Manager refinements to the recommended budget based on Aug. 11 feedback
Sept. 2– City Council adopts budget on First Reading
Sept. 16– City Council adopts tax rate and budget on Final Reading
Oct. 1– Fiscal year begins