City Budget Process

Participate in the Budget Process

Approving the City’s Annual Budget is one of the most important decisions made by City Council. The 2021 budget will be based on staff recommendations and input received from the community. 

The public is invited to attend any or all City Council meetings where the budget is discussed. The City will also provide additional engagement opportunities for residents who wish to participate in the budget process.

Tuesday, January 21

7 p.m. at Hopkins City Hall in the Council Chambers
Information on the City’s financial management plan and how the budget process works will be presented during a City Council meeting.

March 6-April 30

The City’s Budget Survey is open through April 30.  

CANCELLED: Tuesday, April 28 

The Open Book meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Valuation and classification reviews will be conducted with no face-to-face contact. Please call you assessor at 612-743-5076 or email braden.johnson@hennepin.us prior to May 20, 2020.

View cancellation posting (PDF)

CANCELLED: Tuesday, May 19

6-7 p.m. at Hopkins City Hall in the Council Chambers
A public meeting will be held to discuss the budget process and the Financial Management Plan, focusing on the next five years. There will be opportunities for the public to provide input.

DATE/LOCATION CHANGE: Monday, August 17

6-7:30 p.m. with a Zoom Virtual Town Hall meeting
A virtual public meeting will be held to discuss the budget process and the proposed 2021 budget. There will be opportunities for the public to provide input. 

Zoom details

Join the webinar online
Passcode: 101625

Join the webinar by phone: 1-301-715-8592
Webinar ID: 861-5360-7888
Passcode: 101625

Tuesday, September 1 or 15

7 p.m. at Hopkins City Hall in the Council Chambers
A preliminary budget and tax levy will be approved.

Monday, November 30

7 p.m. at Hopkins City Hall in the Council Chambers
A Truth in Taxation hearing will be held as a separate City Council meeting. It is being held on a Monday to avoid conflicts with other taxing jurisdictions.

Tuesday, December 1 or 15

7 p.m. at Hopkins City Hall in the Council Chambers
A final budget and tax levy will be approved. 

Questions or comments?

Please use this form to submit any general comments or questions about the budget process.

  1. How many departments prepare a budget?
  2. Where do multi-use paths fall within the budget and can that be shown as its own line item?
  3. What opportunities will there be to comment on the preliminary budget after it is approved in September?
  4. Why does the Truth in Taxation hearing occur so late in the budget process?
  5. Does the city use a top-down or bottom-up budget process?
  6. Do departments receive any instructions on how to prepare budgets? Who set the instructions?
  7. Did or could you consider a Fiscal Advisory Committee made up of residents?
  8. When will the 2020 Budget document be posted online?
  9. When do you plan to update the Financial Management plan for the next five years?
  10. Does the Hopkins compare itself with other Cities?
  11. Why does the City issue debt?
  12. Will revenue considerations that affect decisions on the upcoming zoning changes be made?
  13. Commercial property bring in more revenue, is the city focusing on them over residential apartment buildings?
  14. What is the outcome of the Moline parking ramp settlement? How does it affect the budget? What documents are available online?
View All