The last Priority Setting and Budget Kickoff for El Cerrito took place on January 13, 2024. Facilitated by consultants at a significant cost, the meeting was billed as an opportunity to shape the city’s goals and budget priorities. However, it left many community members disappointed. Concerns about insufficient advertising, minimal participation from city staff, and the overall lack of meaningful engagement dominated the feedback.
Community members expressed frustration over how the meeting was conducted. The limited outreach meant many residents were unaware of the event, and those who attended felt the absence of city staff hindered an open and productive dialogue. Despite the use of consultants, many left feeling that the process was more performative than substantive.
No Kickoff Meeting in Sight for 2025
As of now, no Priority Setting or Budget Kickoff has been scheduled for 2025. This lack of planning raises serious questions about how the city plans to prioritize its goals and involve residents in shaping the budget for the coming year. After the challenges of the 2024 meeting, residents expected improvements. Instead, the absence of this important process suggests that the city may be moving further away from transparency and inclusivity.
A Pattern of Controlled Agendas
Based on past experience, whenever the city hosts a “workshop” or meeting, the agenda is often set to align with the city’s position, leaving little room for meaningful discussion or input that challenges their narrative. These meetings are carefully structured to create the appearance of community involvement, but the reality is often quite different. True town halls—where there is open dialogue and genuine give-and-take between councilmembers, city staff, and residents—are virtually nonexistent. Instead, the city tends to limit input to feedback that supports their agenda, leaving many feeling excluded from the decision-making process.
Why This Matters
A Priority Setting and Budget Kickoff is more than just a formality; it’s an opportunity for city leadership to engage openly with residents, share their vision, and demonstrate their commitment to collaboration. Without such a meeting, residents lose a vital avenue to voice their concerns, ask tough questions, and advocate for their priorities. This creates a widening gap between leadership and the community they serve.
What Comes Next?
While the absence of a scheduled meeting is disappointing, it is not too late for the city to change course. Residents can and should demand better—more transparency, more inclusivity, and a more authentic approach to engagement. A true town hall setting, where open dialogue is encouraged and dissenting voices are welcomed, is critical to rebuilding trust and ensuring that decisions reflect the community’s needs.
The city’s leadership must recognize that community involvement isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of good governance. Let’s hope that 2025 brings a renewed commitment to fostering genuine dialogue and collaboration between residents, city staff, and councilmembers.
El Cerrito deserves nothing less.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 