Budget Trellises for Gathering Feedback - February 23 to March 12
Spring is just around the corner which means that City staff is in the process of developing the FY 2026-2027 budget and the City Commission and staff will want to know your thoughts on the areas the City should focus on in the upcoming fiscal year. Look for trellises near the Decatur Square, Harmony Park and Glenlake Park to share your thoughts and ideas. This year's soccer themed trellises were available until March 12.
Touch a Budget and Touch a Truck - March 7
Touch a Truck is back and will be joined by the Touch a Budget budget expo! Come check out some of the City's heavy equipment, trucks and other vehicles as well take an opportunity to meet with staff from all departments to learn about the goals, programs and projects that will be presented in the proposed budget. The fun will be had from 10am to 1pm at the Decatur High School upper parking lot located at 139 West Howard Avenue.
Beverages and Budget Book Club - April 2026
The City Manager’s Office invites you to participate in the Beverages and Budget Book Club this April. If you are interested in learning more about the City’s budgeting process or you have thoughts on what should be funded in the FY 2026-2027 budget, join City Manager Andrea Arnold, Chief of Staff Meredith Roark and other staff from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at a local watering hole to engage in a budget-related dialogue.
As the FY 2026-2027 budget document is still in development, participants will be asked to read sections of the FY 2025-2026 budget document in preparation for the discussions. Following each session, an online discussion opportunity will be made available for those unable to attend.
RSVPing for the sessions is encouraged. Send your RSVP to Meredith.Roark [at] decaturga.com (Meredith[dot]Roark[at]decaturga[dot]com)
- April 14 – at Universal Joint (906 Oakview Rd)
Please read the following for the April 14th session - Vision Based Budgeting and the General Fund:- Budget Message
- Budget Guide
- Budget Narrative
- FY 25-26 Summary of Fund Budgets
- Link to Online Discussion Forum - no longer available
- April 27 – at Foxtail Coffee Co. (101 W. Ponce de Leon Ave)
Please read the following for the April 27th session - Capital Improvements:- Capital Projects Funds
- Other Funds
- Link to Online Discussion Forum - no longer available
Online Feedback Portal - June 2026
Once the City of Decatur’s Revised 2025-2026 and Proposed 2026-2027 budgets have been presented to the City Commission, taxpayers will have an opportunity to share your thoughts on whether or not the City Commission should adopt the budget.
Let us know your thoughts here - https://polco.us/n/res/vote/decatur-ga/adoption-of-proposed-fy-26-27-bu….
The Budget As Art
In fiscal year 2021-2022, the City introduced the Budget as Art Collection to the community. This initiative used art to emphasize the vision and values reflected in the City’s budget. The first piece of art work was created by Adam Pinsley and was titled "I Heart Decatur."
The Budget as Art Collection continued in 2022-2023 with an original work of art by local artist, Austin Blue, titled “Summer Daze.” Austin's artwork represents Decatur’s diversity while also celebrating the community’s harmony. The artwork was timely and relevant as the adopted budget supported the shared vision of the 2020 Strategic Plan which demanded that all projects, programs and initiatives be implemented with equity as a priority.
The 2023-2024 selection is titled "Cultivate" and was created by Sanithna Phansavanh. The conceptual design for the piece is the manner by which botanicals are tended and nurtured as a representation of caring stewardship.
The 2024-2025 selection is titled "Fly High, Decatur" and was created by Lori Lejeune. The piece represents positive transformation and encouragement. Ms. Lejeune shared "The background of colorful shapes, which appear united within the artwork like a patchwork quilt, are based upon intersections of several major roads within the City of Decatur."
The 2025-2026 selection is titled "Safeguarding and Serving" and was created by Patreece Lewis. Patreece uses the gardening of Decatur Daylilies to represent the City’s serious approach to financial stewardship and the resulting positive financial growth through the City’s care of the budget and financial resources in partnership with community members represented by the sky and sun. The artwork reflects that public funds are distributed and reinvested in the community, carrying out the goals of the community’s strategic plan and working to achieve the City’s vision.
The 2026-2027 selection is titled "Uniquely Treasured" and was created by Jodi Florence. The piece invites you to pause and see the City of Decatur the way Jodi has always seen it — as a vibrant, one-of-a-kind world worth cherishing. Inspired by her lifelong connection to the city, Jodi knows this is a special place you hold close and protect. The piece celebrates Decatur's unique spirit and reflects the community's care and commitment to keeping it that way.
