Examples of Citizens Budgets

Dec 17, 2015

A Citizens Budget is a simpler, less technical version of a government’s budget specifically designed to present key information to the public. Citizens Budgets can vary widely in focus, content, and length and be presented in a number of ways, ranging from a simple brochure to a comprehensive report. These excellent examples of Citizens Budgets showcase different approaches and styles.

Philippines’ COVID-19 policies >>

COVID-19 Examples

These examples illustrate the use of Citizens Budgets to communicate the government’s fiscal policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Philippines (2021 Budget Priorities Framework)
  • Malaysia (Economic Stimulus Package 2020)
  • Georgia (The Anti-Crisis Economic Plan)
  • Honduras (COVID-19 Emergency Transparency Portal)

South Africa’s newsletter format »

Format Examples

These examples illustrate multiple formats that can be used for Citizens Budgets:

Chile’s comprehensive report >>

Comprehensive Reports

These examples illustrate comprehensive yet accessible Citizens Budgets:

Kyrgyz Republic’s Graphical Report >>

Graphics and Data Visualization

These examples illustrate the use of graphics and data visualization in Citizens Budgets:

Examples of citizens versions of budget documents across the budget cycle

Examples Across the Budget Cycle

While the Open Budget Survey only assesses Citizens Budgets that simplify the Executive’s Budget Proposal or Enacted Budget, each key document in the budget cycle can and should be presented in a way that the public can understand.

Additional Resources

Learn more about Citizens Budgets here, or visit the Open Budget Survey Budget Document Library to browse more examples. In addition, these publications provide more detailed information about Citizens Budgets, how to create and use them, and more.