Outcome Budgeting

Welcome to Outcome Budgeting!            


Outcome Budgeting is the City of Baltimore’s innovative way of budgeting.  

What is Outcome Budgeting?

Outcome Budgeting is a budget process that aligns resources with results. The budget is organized at the service level around the City’s Priority Outcomes. Instead of starting from last year’s spending and adjusting allocations up or down, in Outcome Budgeting we start with what results matter most to citizens. 

Why Outcome Budgeting?

Traditional budgeting may have worked in the past, but the economy we face today requires a more strategic, transparent budget process. Outcome Budgeting does just that, it:

  • Addresses fiscal constraints
  • Rewards innovation
  • Measures performance
  • Makes the budget process more transparent

Outcome Budgeting in the News

Baltimore’s outcome-based budgeting system is now a national best practice serving as a model for local governments across the country.  Outcome Budgeting led to innovative service delivery mechanisms and a cultural shift within Baltimore agencies. Greater use of data and evidence during the budget process has improved outcomes for residents in many of the City's priority policy areas.  BBMR shares implementation strategies with peer cities looking to change their approaches to budgeting; see press coverage below. 

City Palooza - How to Budget Better 
Results for America Case Study - Outcome-Based Budgeting in Baltimore

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