Public Budgeting

Introduction to Public Budgeting

• Overview of budgeting in public administration.
• Importance of budgeting as a reflection of governmental priorities and a control mechanism.

The Essence of Budgeting

• Budgets as critical decisions in governance.
• Exploring the fundamental questions budgeting addresses: What should government do? Who decides? How are decisions made?

Why Budgeting Matters

• Budgeting's impact on managers and the public.
• Budgets as a reflection of organizational priorities, a control tool, and a source of institutional incentives.

Budgets and The Economy

• The role of budgets in shaping economies at various levels.
• Discussion on fiscal policy, macroeconomics, and monetary policy.

Budgets Impact the Economy

• Understanding fiscal year, surplus, deficit, and debt.
• The federal budget's role in national debt accumulation.

The Political Role of the Budget

• Budgeting as a fundamental political choice.
• How budgeting reflects values, influences institutions, and relates to public trust.

Rise of Presidential Power in Budgeting

• The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 and its implications.
• The balance of power in budgeting between the executive and legislative branches.

The Budgeting Process

• Steps in budget preparation and approval.
• The roles of different government levels in budgeting.

Budgeting Approaches

• Line-Item, Performance-Informed, and other budgeting approaches.
• Comparison of these methods in terms of transparency, accountability, and outcome focus.

Types of Budgets

• Overview of operating, cash, and capital budgets.
• Their functions and significance in public administration.

Budgeting as a Profession

• Skills and competencies needed for effective budgeting.
• Professional standards and ethical considerations in budgeting.

Conclusion - Future of Public Budgeting

• Summarizing key insights into public budgeting.
• Future challenges and opportunities in the field of public budgeting.