Programming for the Future: Connecting the Dots Between Equity, Program Planning and Priority-Based Budgeting

COVID-19 has forced us to become both cautious and creative with how we offer leisure services. With the demand for recreation programming increasing and budgets decreasing, park and recreation agencies are tasked with the challenging job of doing more with less. In addition to dealing with the fiscal knife, the equity gap continues to grow wider as park and recreation professionals face the challenges of providing services for underserved populations. It is clear now more than ever that the need for equitable programming is essential to our communities. In this session, speakers will identify strategies to develop an effective recreation program plan that is budget friendly and considers equity when determining programming goals and objectives. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate practices that will effectively address barriers in the pursuit of equitable recreation programming. 
2. Identify strategic to collect data that will assist in developing a recreation program plan that will position the agency for success. 
3. Discuss budget techniques and cost-recovery strategies to effectively improve programming operations.