The federal budget deficit and debt, and the slow growth or decline in state and local government revenues now frames much of the current budget debate. Introduction Budgeting is fundamental to all public organizations and activities. Budgets are the focus of significant public debate because budgetary outcomes allocate public resources and distribute burdens. All organizations and their departments have budgets. Organizations compete for scarce resources on the basis of their budget.
Public managers use their budget to set goals, objectives and priorities.
Public budgeting is both a science and an art. The science of public budgeting is framed by analysis and analytic techniques. The ability to budget in the public sector requires a firm grasp of analytic technique as well as an appreciation for the politics of public budgeting. This seminar examines budgetary politics, processes and analysis. The course integrates theory with practical analysis of different budgets.