Mission

To assist with evidence-based policy development, informed decision-making, and operational oversight by providing legislative support, conducting oversight by providing legislative support, conducting fiscal reviews, performing programmatic/operational oversight, and assisting with strategic planning and evaluations.

Introduction

The Division of Budget and Policy Analysis was created in 2019 to ensure that the County Council has the in-house capacity to research and analyze proposed legislation and current fiscal policy, evaluate the proposed annual budget for adoption, and assist council members and staff with research and analysis.

Except for those involving zoning, the Office issues fiscal impact statements for proposed legislation submitted to the Council for review. Statements include a summary of what the legislation is proposed to do, a background on the current code, a survey of best practices, and a forecast on the fiscal impact on County resources. These statements are crafted to aid Councilmembers during their decision-making process.

In response to current issues and council members' requests, staff also conducts research and produces short reports on such topics that include, but are not limited to, transportation, the environment, health, economics, and fiscal policy.

A major component of the Office’s work is analyzing the County Executive’s annual proposed operating and capital improvement budget, which is sent to the County Council by March 15.  Between March and April, analysts interview agency leadership and survey them on their budget, which informs reports that are presented at Council committee sessions. These reports help Council members to make decisions on fiscal line items for final negotiations and budget adoption in June. During the summer, the division produces a mid-year update called a Programmatic Report, which details the performance of programs within departments and agencies.