Facing a nearly $5 million projected shortfall, city leaders in Racine knew they had to make budget changes for 2021. While tightening the belt, Racine Mayor Cory Mason says his proposal still provides a key point of focus: improving racial disparities.
In a year that's seen budgets topple, between the coronavirus pandemic, declining revenues and more, Mayor Mason said he's still focused on long-term goals. "A budget is more than just numbers and finding efficiencies," said Mayor Mason. "It's a reflection of our priorities and our values."
At the top of his list is addressing racial inequities within the city. Mason says his 2021 budget proposal is aimed at connecting more families with affordable housing through a new Financial Empowerment Center.