San Marcos is introducing Polco’s Balancing Act, an interactive tool allowing residents to explore budget allocations, adjust spending priorities, and provide direct input on financial decisions, according to a Feb. 28 news release.
The overview
Balancing Act will be used in different phases, with residents asked to provide insights on multiple topics.
San Marcos residents are currently invited to rank their top 10 budgetary priorities from the 2025 Strategic Plan, which was approved by City Council on Feb. 18. Balancing Act offers multiple priorities, including:
- Quality of life and sense of place
- Economic vitality
- Public safety, core services, and fiscal excellence
- Mobility and connectivity
- Environmental protection
Beginning in May, residents will also be invited to propose budgetary allocations. According to the news release, the budget simulation platform will allow residents to weigh in on financial scenarios and navigate trade-offs to balance their own version of the FY 2026 budget.
Balancing Act is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to increase transparency and encourage greater public participation in the budgeting process, according to the news release. City staff also invites residents to get involved by attending the Budget Policy Workshop on Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. or by joining a Dream Session.
A Dream Session, according to the city’s website, is an opportunity “for each of us to engage in the process of transformational change by contributing to the conversation and dreaming about what we, collectively, can achieve to enhance our community.”
The current Dream Session discussion topic is: “What’s your vision for developing a balanced budget based on your priorities?”
Future Dream Sessions include:
- March 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center
- March 5 at 9:30 a.m. at the San Marcos Housing Authority
- March 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the KAD Center
- March 6 at 6 p.m. at the San Marcos Public Library Meeting Room A
- March 10 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center Lobby
- March 13 at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom.
“One of our primary responsibilities is to build a balanced budget that truly reflects the evolving priorities of our community and its diverse needs," City Manager Stephanie Reyes said in the news release. "We take financial stewardship seriously, and we're embracing innovative solutions to foster greater community inclusion in our budgeting process.”
