Every year, at this time, RTD commences its budget preparation process.  

It is through the budget process that RTD allocates resources across its various transit activities, from bus and train operations to implementation of the FasTracks program.  Aside from a general fiduciary responsibility to ensure that RTD resources are deployed efficiency and effectively, it is through the budget process that Board members help to set the agency’s priorities.  In lean years, such as these, setting the priorities entails difficult trade-offs between RTD’s many worthy transit endeavors. 

It is because the budget is such a critical tool in defining the direction of RTD that, in my role as Board Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, I have sought to incorporate greater transparency in the preparation process.  This includes the institution of enhanced opportunities for Board member input at the front-end of the process, before staff begins to formulate their own recommendations.  The opening study session on April 22 is the first of these new input opportunities, focusing almost exclusively on the assumptions and procedures staff proposes to employ in crafting the draft budget document. 

Attached is the complete calendar for the 2009 budget preparation process.  I urge you to consider attending some of the open Board meetings where we will discuss budget topics.  That is one of the best means of learning about the full range of RTD’s transit activities and the organization’s financial challenges.  I also invite you to tell me, throughout the budget preparation process, about the transit program you want RTD to prioritize in 2009.

2009 RTD Budget Preparation Process Calendar