The District of Columbia Council has set a new budget submission deadline for May 15, 2025, following significant delays in the budget process. Chairman Phil Mendelson emphasized the importance of this decision during the recent legislative meeting, highlighting that the mayor's failure to meet the original April 2 deadline has created uncertainty for both the council and the public.

The budget process was initially scheduled to begin with the mayor's submission on April 2, but the completion of the budget, referred to as "pencils down," did not occur until April 9. This delay has pushed back the timeline for the council's review and approval of the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. The Chief Financial Officer had previously indicated that the budget would not be considered balanced without a supplemental or revised budget for the current fiscal year, further complicating the situation.

Mendelson pointed out that the ongoing issues with Congress regarding the continuing resolution have contributed to a significant budget shortfall, estimated at around one billion dollars. Despite this, the council had worked collaboratively with the mayor's office to establish a timeline for budget submission, which the mayor ultimately did not adhere to.

The newly established May 15 deadline means that the council will not be able to finalize the budget until late July, with the final reading now scheduled for July 24. This extended timeline will require the budget director's office to work through August to finalize the budget document for submission to the mayor.

The council's decision to set a firm deadline aims to restore order to the budget process and ensure that the public has access to the necessary information in a timely manner. As the council moves forward, they remain committed to transparency and accountability in the budgetary process, emphasizing the need for the mayor to adhere to the agreed-upon schedule.