Abstract
Over the past decade, pressure has mounted for governments to address the effects of racial disparities and systemic racism. Some governments have implemented racial equity reforms that build on the public budgeting cycle as a system that can help filter new interventions and push for redesigning existing ones. This paper presents in-depth case studies of three local governments that are pioneers in advancing racial equity through public budgeting systems: the City of Austin, TX, the City of Baltimore, MD, and King County, WA. Our findings show that these governments have advanced practices that integrate equity considerations into budgeting decisions, particularly through the use of equity assessments and the development of participatory processes. Significant challenges remain not just to improve what has been done but to ensure that these practices do not decay, as some cases are already failing to maintain levels of transparency and to ensure ongoing practices.