Game Challenges Baltimore Residents To Balance Budget

The city is facing a $40 million deficit heading into fiscal year 2014, a decrease from the $52 million shortfall the city faced entering this fiscal year, but still a large enough deficiency to force some tough choices. 

As the city begins its budget process, the government is giving residents the chance to understand the decisions Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake must make by using an online game.

The city unveiled the game last year, which allowed residents to make choices as to where they would cut the budget and focus spending.

If using the game is not for you, the mayor will also be addressing residents about the budget in person this weekend. 

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will be holding a budget workshop open to residents starting at 10 a.m., Saturday at the Humanim at the American Brewery, 1700 North Gay, according to a newsletter from Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.

The workshop will involve a question and answer period about the city’s fiscal situation as allowing participants to craft their own budget proposals.

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