The Town of Dedham is implementing a new project aimed to address the structural deficit in the Town's annual operating budget and ensure long-term financial stability for residents and taxpayers. The Deficit Reduction Plan will provide a comprehensive analysis of the Town’s financial position, overall operations, and provide a recommended framework for future decision-making on programs and services using data collected from residents.

"This plan represents our commitment to maintaining essential municipal services while addressing budget challenges through strategic planning and community engagement," said Town Manager Leon I. Goodwin III. "We are taking a data-driven approach that prioritizes both fiscal responsibility and the services Dedham residents depend on."

The Deficit Reduction Plan Project follows three complementary tracks designed to provide actionable data about Town operations and finances with comprehensive community input:

• Track 1: Analysis – The Collins Center at UMass Boston will deliver a comprehensive report analyzing the Town's operations, budget processes, and finances, providing strategic options to  eliminate the structural deficit using a mixture of increased revenues and decreased expenditures.
• Track 2: Community Survey – Dedham is partnering with Polco to launch the National Community Survey, gathering representative data on residents' opinions about public safety, local services, infrastructure, and quality of life. The survey will launch in the coming weeks and the Town will publish additional information before surveys are distributed.
• Track 3: Public Forums – Community forums to be held this Fall will provide opportunities for residents to share priorities, learn about municipal budgets, and connect directly with Town staff and officials. Dates and locations to be announced.

Dedicated Working Group Formed

The Town has established a Deficit Reduction Working Group comprised of elected officials Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board), Liz O'Donnell (Finance & Warrant Committee), Joshua Langmead (School Committee), and Dan Driscoll (Town Moderator), with support from key Town and School staff to review the Collins Center Report's recommendations, provide feedback, and help facilitate the upcoming public forums. This internal working group will meet 3-4 times between August and October, beginning with their first meeting on August 6.

Residents can stay updated on the deficit reduction process and access all related documents and surveys at beheard.dedham-ma.gov/deficit-reduction. There, the Town will post updates throughout the process and residents can also submit questions through a mobile-friendly form. Details about the community survey launch and public forum dates will be announced in the coming weeks.