Collecting and Spending Money taught you the types of revenue that the City collects and the types of services it spends those funds on, you can take an even deeper dive into the City’s budget by looking at Open Checkbook –– a website that lists the amounts and categories for all City payments. You also can create charts and graphs using that information.
Want to know how much the Detroit Building Authority spent maintaining police precincts this year? Or how much the Parks and Recreation Department spent for office supplies? The information is all on Open Checkbook.
Challenge
Attend a public meeting with City Council! If you have a question about what you see on the Open Checkbook, don’t be afraid to go to a public meeting and ask during the public comment period, when attendees have an opportunity to speak for a few minutes. In order for public officials to understand what matters to us, we have to use every opportunity to communicate our priorities. Check out the schedule for City Council meetings.
Tips for Public Comment
- Consider preparing your statement or question ahead of time. That way, you’ll remember what you wanted to say when you get up to the microphone, especially if you get nervous.
- You can fill out a public comment form in person when you arrive at the meeting –– then meeting officials can call your name when it’s your turn to speak. Check out the website for the meeting ahead of time. You might be able to fill out a public comment form online.
- Each person is able to speak for a few minutes –– sometimes two or three –– so if you’ve prepared a speech, time it at home first. If you have just a few notes or questions you should be able to accomplish those within a few minutes.