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. Click here to access the latest survey.
We’ve seen hundreds of people provide their input over the last couple of years, most for the first time. Residents, community groups, advisory committees and village boards are all encouraged to participate!
FY 2026 details will get more defined as we get closer to the final budget approval, which means the scope narrows as the Board moves through this process. 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 starts August 19 when we ask for the community’s priorities through an online survey. The first round of surveying will end on September 13. Click here to access that survey.
The Board is scheduled to start discussing FY 2026 during its regularly scheduled meeting on September 26. The Board is set to narrow down top priorities and vote on those at the meeting on October 24. You’re always 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.
CA staff will review the Board’s approved priorities and the community’s input before publishing draft allocations for the FY 2026 capital budget and proposed operating budget priorities. This will be followed by another online feedback opportunity. During a regularly scheduled meeting on November 14, the Board will discuss the high-level proposed budget projections.
CA staff will also host a special information session on November 18 where the public is invited to bring additional comments and questions about the budget process. Registration details for this virtual session will be made available closer to that date.
The Board will vote on the draft capital allocations and the draft operating budget priorities (including annual charge rate and cap and membership rate guidance) on December 12. At that point, CA staff will work through the new year to draft a budget for the Board’s consideration and approval.
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