Matt Rodrigues

Regional Council · Region of Waterloo

All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes Water

Budget & Taxes

Do you think the Region's or municipality's budget process should be more transparent and accessible to residents?single choice

It should be more transparent and accessible

Municipal and regional costs have generally risen faster than revenues restricted by property tax rules and limited local revenue tools. How would you balance tax increases against maintaining service levels and long-term financial sustainability?select up to 3 per part

A. Revenue approaches

Moderate, predictable tax increases to maintain service levels
Actively pursue provincial and federal transfer funding and grants
Exploring new local revenue tools where permitted by provincial legislation

D. Growth & cost recovery

Re-evaluate development incentives or subsidies that create long-term liabilities

B. Service levels

Maintain current service levels, even if taxes rise
Adjust service delivery models to reduce costs without reducing access

C. Capital & infrastructure

Prioritize maintenance and state-of-good-repair over expansion
Require lifecycle cost analysis before approving any new infrastructure

Please describe one concrete example of a trade-off you would support (or oppose) when costs rise faster than revenues.candidate's own words

I support completing detailed reviews or audits of specific program budgets (or projects) to identify cost savings or alternative delivery models that achieve a similar benefit.

If you chose "It should be more transparent and accessible", please describe how.candidate's own words

Of the two options provided, I would suggest that there are always ways that we can make the budget process more transparent and accessible. For example, for the 2026 Budget Regional Council asked staff to host additional town halls in Cambridge and the Townships.