Deficit Reduction Plan

The Town of Dedham is undergoing a Deficit Reduction Plan to address structural deficits in the Town’s overall annual operating budget, in order to ensure long-term financial stability and continued responsible use of taxpayer dollars. This Plan represents our commitment to maintaining essential municipal services and programs while addressing budget challenges through strategic planning, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

This page will serve as your one-stop resource for information and updates throughout the deficit reduction process by providing 24/7 access to key documents and financial data, progress reports, and ways to stay engaged and participate as we work together to build a stable and sustainable financial plan for Dedham’s future.

Community-Driven Solutions

Our deficit reduction planning follows three tracks designed to capture comprehensive community input and ensure data-driven decision-making:

• Track 1: Collins Center (UMass Boston) Report
  • The Collins Center at UMass Boston will deliver a comprehensive report analyzing the Town's operations, budget processes, and finances. The report will provide strategic options to help avoid deficits and override needs while maintaining essential services. The final report will be presented to the Select Board at an upcoming public meeting after review by the Deficit Reduction Working Group (learn more below).
• Track 2: Community Survey
  • Dedham is partnering with Polco to launch the National Community Survey (NCS), which will gather representative data on residents' opinions about public safety, local services, infrastructure, economy, and quality of life. Randomly selected residents will receive mailed invitations with personalized survey links, followed by a public link for broader community participation. The results will establish benchmarks for future decision-making. The survey will be launching in the coming weeks; please stay tuned for announcements by the Town.
• Track 3: Public Forums
  • Share your priorities and learn about municipal budgets! Join us for public forums this September and October to discuss the Town's budget process and connected directly with Town staff and officials about service and program priorities. Q&A opportunities included. Dates and locations coming soon!

What is the Deficit Reduction Working Group?

The Town has established a dedicated internal working group comprised of the following elected and appointed officials, with support from Town staff:

• Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board)
• Liz O'Donnell (Finance & Warrant Committee)
• Joshua Langmead (School Committee)
• Dan Driscoll (Town Moderator)

The following Town and School staff will provide support to the Working Group:

• Leon I. Goodwin III, Town Manager
• Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager
• Nan Murphy, Superintendent of Dedham Public Schools
• Dr. Ian Kelly, Deputy Superintendent of Dedham Public Schools
• Brady Winsten, Director of Finance
• Rana Mana-Doerfer, Assistant Finance Director/Director of Procurement
• Jeremy Rosenberger, Director of Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources
• Amber Moroney, Management Analyst

The role of the Deficit Reduction Working Group is to:

• Review and provide feedback on the Collins Center Report's recommendations
• Help finalize the report for Select Board presentation
• Serve as liaisons to their respective boards/committees and the community
• Help to facilitate public forums this Fall

The Deficit Reduction Working Group will meet between 3 and 4 times between August and October, and will provide regular updates to their boards and committees at upcoming public meetings. The Deficit Reduction Working Group will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, August 6.