Bellevue will launch the budget process for the 2013-2014 Operating and 2013-2019 Capital Investment Program budgets by evaluating services and programs on community priorities or “outcomes” rather than city departments.

The council approved seven outcomes that city programs must deliver: safe community; improved mobility; healthy and sustainable environment; innovative, vibrant and caring community; quality neighborhoods; economic growth and competitiveness; and responsive government.

This is the second time the city is using a budgeting-for-outcomes process, following its introduction in 2010 for development of the 2011-2012 Operating and 2011-2017 CIP budgets.

Revenue shortfalls due to the recession forced the city manager to cut the General Fund budget by about $18.6 million or 6 percent for the 2011-2012 biennium, then cut another $6.5 million in a major mid-biennial adjustment late last year. Staff advised the council that further reductions may be necessary.

The budget process will take much of the year, with the city manager presenting proposed budgets to the council in September, and the council adopting the budgets after adjustments in December.