SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The City of Savannah is asking residents to help decide where tax dollars should go next year. An initiative called Speak Out Savannah is giving the community a direct role in shaping the city’s budget.

City leaders say the goal is to make sure the budget reflects the priorities of Savannah’s residents. Savannah’s budget last year topped $600 million and city officials say 2026 will likely be even bigger. That’s why they’re asking residents to speak up now before numbers are finalized.

The city launched its “Speak out” Savannah initiative earlier this summer, with the most recent meeting in July. The process has combined online surveys with face-to-face meetings. Residents can meet directly with staff, ask questions, and give feedback on priorities like public safety, affordable housing, and parks.

“We want our citizens to know that the budget is not just numbers, but it’s a reflection of our city values. It’s also a reflection of the priorities that our citizens would like to see within the city,” shared Krishon Seastrunk, the Senior Budget Analyst for the City of Savannah.

An online survey is open until August 31st, and paper copies are available at city community centers and library branches. It should also be noted that all responses are anonymous. Legally, Savannah must pass a budget by December, and city officials say it will likely top last year’s $602 million. Today’s feedback will help shape exactly how those dollars are spent.

“They can let us know where they feel their money should go. Should we invest more in public safety? Should we invest more in our parks? Should we invest more in housing or stormwater improvement? Where do you feel like the money should go? Yes, we work for the city, but we also want to work to make sure that our citizens are being heard and we want to make sure that we’re meeting the needs of the citizens,” said Seastrunk.

If you want a say at a meeting, it will take place at 10:00 a.m. this morning at the JA Colonial Group Discovery Center on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong campus.

City staff say this is the first time in recent years that Savannah has combined budget education with direct citizen input. A topic residents have voiced that’s already that is rising to the top: storm drainage.