Overview
City Names: Arlington, TX
Population: 394,266
Problem: Residents lacked clear, accessible information about the city budget, making it harder to participate in public meetings and distinguish accurate information from misinformation about city projects and spending.
Solution: The City ofArlington created an annual video series that explains the budget through relatable themes and everyday scenarios. Produced in-house by city staff, the videos are shared on YouTube and repurposed into shorter social media clips to help residents engage with the topics most relevant to them.
Outcome: The series helped residents participate more effectively in budget discussions and became a resource for councilmembers communicating with constituents. After more than 15 years, the videos are now a core part of Arlington’s annual budget communication strategy.