How can agencies show that increases in their budgets are justified?

Linking budget increases to specific goals and measurable outcomes is a vital practice for agencies that wish to justify their financial requests. This approach provides a clear connection between the additional funding and the expected results that align with the agency's strategic objectives. By demonstrating how budget increases will help achieve defined goals—such as improved service delivery, enhanced community engagement, or better efficiency—agencies can create a compelling rationale that illustrates the necessity of the additional resources.

When budget increases are tied to measurable outcomes, it not only aids in transparency but also allows for accountability. Both internal stakeholders and the community can see the direct impact of additional funding, making it easier to understand and accept the need for increased budgets. This framework acts as a guiding principle for decision-making and helps foster trust with the public and other stakeholders, as it showcases a commitment to achieving tangible results.

In contrast, avoiding cost comparisons, ignoring community benefit, or using arbitrary figures undermines the credibility of financial decisions. These practices do not provide a solid foundation for justifying budgetary increases and may lead to skepticism about the agency's fiscal responsibility and its alignment with community needs.