Social Planning Toronto's City Budget Watch is back for the 2025 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 the budget launch date on January 13 to the final votes at City Council on February 11. We'll let you know how you can learn more, get involved, and have your say on the 2025 budget.
The City Budget Watch Blog, put together by the SPT Team, was started by senior policy analyst and researcher Beth Wilson 16 years ago. Beth continues to provide analysis for the blog.
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Most recent blog entries
Compromised Budget Delivers Historic New Investment Turning the Corner on a City in Decline, While Also Allocating Millions More to the Police
Hundreds of residents took part in the “Fund Our City” rally in front of City Hall on the morning of February 14. Community members sent a strong message to Toronto City Council to support the Mayor’s budget, including proposed funding increases for critical programs, services, and infrastructure and the recommended property tax increase to raise much-needed revenue. Many participants urged Council to reverse years of underfunding of key services and expressed disappointment with Council’s plan to give the police a larger budget increase.
Reasonable and Responsible Property Taxes to Fund a Better City
Property taxes are likely to be the topic of some debate at this Wednesday’s Council meeting, where final budget votes will take place. This year’s budget includes a proposed municipal tax increase that is considerably higher than previous years — on a residential property tax rate that is amongst the lowest in Canada. If passed, it will raise much-needed revenue to pay for critical programs and services and turn the corner on years of decline in our city.
Now’s the Time to Take Action on the 2024 City Budget!
As we head into the final stretch of the 2024 City of Toronto budget process, with the final Council vote set for February 14, now’s the time to take action for a better City budget!