Social Planning Toronto's City Budget Watch is back for the 2023 City of Toronto budget process! We'll be bringing you up-to-date reports and analysis on each step of the City budget process from launch date on Tuesday, January 10, to final votes at City Council on February 14. We'll let you know how you can learn more, get involved, and have your say on the 2023 budget.
The City Budget Watch Blog, put together by the SPT Team, was started by senior policy analyst and researcher Beth Wilson 14 years ago. Beth continues to provide analysis for the blog.
Sign-up for City Budget Watch email updates
Most recent blog entries
Dear Mayor Tory: Have a heart and budget for a kinder city
Today, Social Planning Toronto sent a letter to Mayor John Tory summarizing what we heard over the course of three City budget–focussed events we hosted in January.
At those events, more than 300 organizational partners, grassroots groups, and residents shared their thoughts, concerns, and struggles related to the 2023 budget. These Torontonians overwhelmingly stated that the 2023 City budget falls short. It does not address our city's multiple crises, nor the major challenges that residents across the city are facing. We've urged Mayor Tory to revise the budget to prioritize the key actions that residents and community organizations are looking for.
You can read the full text of the letter below.
Budget committee concludes its work with requests to the mayor, but no actual changes to the 2023 City budget
In past years, the City of Toronto’s Budget Committee could make changes to the staff-recommended budget, with the final decisions resting with Council. Under the new strong mayor powers, the Committee no longer has the authority to vote on changes to the budget. It is only permitted to make requests of the mayor, effectively reducing its power to an advisory body.
Deputation highlights: Calls to reallocate police funding + support for transit, affordable housing, homeless supports & climate action + concerns over “Strong Mayor” powers
On January 17 and 18, over 220 residents, frontline community workers, staff and board members of nonprofits, and representatives from neighbourhood associations and business groups participated in the City of Toronto’s public hearings on the 2023 City budget. Deputants shared their priorities, expressed their concerns, and argued their case for a better budget and a better city.