Here at Columbia Association (CA), we believe that our organization’s budget is a tangible demonstration of our priorities and values. This is when CA’s Board of Directors determines investments in CA’s programs and services, allocates funds for capital projects and sets limits for the Annual Charge and membership rates. Approving CA’s budget is one of the key tasks and biggest responsibilities the Board undertakes every year.
The budget input and approval process culminates in late February when the budget for the upcoming fiscal year is approved. CA’s annual budgets begin on May 1 and end April 30 the following year. That means Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) begins on May 1, 2025. Click here to access past budgets and financial information.
The FY 2026 process includes a number of opportunities for our community to provide feedback on what you would like to see prioritized at CA. That includes a combination of online surveys, virtual information sessions and Board meetings and work sessions. Hundreds of people have provided their input over the last few budget cycles, most for the first time. Residents, community groups, advisory committees and village boards are all encouraged to participate.
The earlier you get involved, the more impact you can have on the final budget. It’s important to us that your priorities are heard!
The engagement process started in August 2024 when we asked for the community’s priorities through an online survey. The Board started discussions about FY26 in late September before narrowing down top priorities the following month.
CA reviewed the Board’s approved priorities and the community’s input before publishing draft allocations for the FY26 capital budget and proposed operating budget priorities. This was followed by a second online feedback opportunity, a special information session and Board discussions around high-level proposed budget projections. The Board voted on the draft capital allocations and the draft operating budget priorities – including annual charge rate and cap and membership rate guidance – in December.
In January, CA staff posted the draft budget plan (click here to review) for Board consideration. The community was invited to share a final round of feedback on the draft budget prior to the Board’s approval in an online survey. The Board of Directors discussed the FY26 draft budget during January and February meetings. Following that consideration, the Board voted to finalize the budget on February 27.
Throughout the entire process, residents and members were welcome to participate in Resident Speakout, which happens at the start of every Board meeting. Those meetings are also live streamed and recorded on YouTube.
Click on the cover of the annual report you would like to view
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