Pillars of Lakewood Hosts 'Data Crunch Lunch' at Deagan’s

LAKEWOOD, OH — As part of their commitment to civic involvement, Pillars of Lakewood hosted a "Data Crunch Lunch" at Deagan's Kitchen in downtown Lakewood last week.

A small group of engaged citizens met last Friday to hear city of Lakewood finance director, Jennifer Pae discuss the 2017 municipal budget and a brief history of Lakewood's finances and where things are headed including the Lakewood Hospital transition financial forecast.

The executive summary of the 2017 municipal budget reads:

The City of Lakewood's proposed $110.9 million budget for all funds in 2017 continues to focus on Economic Development, a Safe and Secure City, Sound Governance and Vibrant Neighborhoods by investment in:

• Improving citizen communication and engagement
• Continuing public safety performance and accountability
• Expanding housing options
• Improving public spaces, especially parks
• Addressing and improving aging infrastructure: sidewalks, roads, water mains and sewers
• Continuing responsible stewardship for our environment with a focus on cleaner air and water, and energy efficiency
• Maintaining a strong commitment to core serve delivery

The 2017 Lakewood Municipal Budget can be downloaded here.

The City of Lakewood has won the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for 3 consecutive years. To earn this distinction the city must be in the top 5 percent of governments across financial audit criteria.

Pillars will be hosting similar events in the near future, for more information visit Lakewood Pillars website.

The event was open to Pillars members and their guests. Visit this link for more information regarding Pillars membership.

Photo by Rick Uldricks/Patch