WELCOME TO THE COUNTY BUDGET & FINANCE OFFICE
The County Budget & Finance Office is a division within the County Finance Office and is responsible for the annual budget and strategic financial planning process and managing the County’s public debt programs. The functions carried out align with the County’s mission, vision, and guiding principles:
Maintain a structurally balanced budget and industry standard reserve levels
Invest in the County’s essential infrastructure
Advance key County initiatives, strategic priorities, and projects
Be the employer of choice
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| Public feedback is welcomed throughout the year and community priorities are taken into consideration during the development of the County’s Annual Budget and Strategic Financial Plan. Residents are invited to share feedback on the upcoming 2026 Strategic Financial Plan through September 20. |
| To address the evolving needs and priorities of County residents, the County Budget & Finance Office collaborates with departments and community-based organizations to advance countywide initiatives such as the Master Plan for Aging, OC Housing, and OC Cares. | |
Episode 1: Where Planning Begins Long before the Orange County Board of Supervisors adopts the annual budget, months, sometimes years, of planning have been underway. This video explains how the County plans for current and future service needs through the Five-Year Strategic Financial Plan. |
Episode 2: How Planning Becomes the Budget This video explains how different funding sources support County programs and services, and how the County develops funding recommendations through the Five-Year Strategic Financial Plan. |
The budget cycle is continuous with the development of the five-year Strategic Financial Plan (SFP) marking the beginning of the annual cycle as shown below.
Public feedback is welcomed throughout the year and community priorities are taken into consideration during the development of the County’s Annual Budget and Strategic Financial Plan. To address the evolving needs and priorities of County residents, the County Budget & Finance Office collaborates with departments and community-based organizations to advance countywide initiatives such as the Master Plan for Aging, OC Housing, and OC Cares.
The County’s public debt program supports the infrastructure needs of the County and the community by accessing funds for the acquisition and construction of public facilities, infrastructure, and projects supporting the well-being of the community. The links below provide information regarding the County’s outstanding debt obligations and credit rating.
