In Loveland, the budget is more than a spreadsheet. The budget is the result of a year-long effort to balance expenses and revenues so the City can maintain essential services. The process begins each January with analysis, department planning, and detailed reviews as teams develop and adjust their proposed workplans and budgets. By mid year, the Finance team has met with every department multiple times.

In late August, the work shifts to the annual budget workshop, a public meeting where City Council reviews recommendations for balancing the upcoming budget and learns about successes, gaps, and challenges. Staff then refine the proposal based on that discussion. If needed, Council may hold a September work session for additional review.

The updated budget is then presented to City Council during two regular meetings in October and is adopted after two consecutive approvals. By year’s end, the finalized 2027 budget is published on the City’s website.

Loveland follows this process every year, and its long-standing commitment to financial planning, transparency, and accountability continues to earn national recognition. Since the early 1980s, the City has received 43 consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards and 45 Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. In July 2026, Loveland was honored with the prestigious Triple Crown Award for excellence in budget transparency and reporting.

Learn more about how the budget is balanced and how your tax dollars support City services on our Lets Talk Loveland webpage.