Money Talks: A Comedic Take on Atlanta’s Budgeting Circus

Meet Mark Kendall, Atlanta’s comedic virtuoso, who has taken to dissecting the serious world of civic duty with the finesse of a surgeon wielding a rubber chicken. Yes, he’s the guy putting the “fun” in funding—specifically, how your hard-earned tax dollars are shaping up for 2023. Think of him as a civic-minded oracle who predicts the future of public transportation and politics with laugh-out-loud clarity.

Now, if you haven’t been under a rock (or perhaps just glued to your couch), the grand spectacle of the Atlanta budget process is rolling out, and it’s your chance to fix your gripes about city spending with a sprinkle of your own genius ideas. We’ve joined forces with the likes of the Center for Civic Innovation, Atlanta Civic Circle, Canopy Atlanta, and Axios Atlanta—because nothing says transparency like a group of organizations trying to wrangle your attention amidst the chaos of city finances.

As drafts of the proposed budget are scrutinized and dissected like a frog in a high school biology class, the city is aiming to slap a final answer on this riddle by June 30. What’s on the budgetary menu? A smorgasbord of necessities and absurdities alike. And what if we compared this year’s budget to a pizza? Spoiler alert: there might just be a few extra pineapple slices you weren’t expecting.

In a recent sketch that breaks the internet’s sound barrier while contemplating civic engagement, Kendall poses an essential question: “What if the budget were a pizza?” It’s a profound inquiry deserving of deep reflection and—dare we say—thy crusty humor. Watch as he unveils the toppings that might just represent your city’s money-spending strategies.

So, are you itching to keep your finger on the pulse of Atlanta’s fiscal pizza party? Mark your calendars for this Thursday, June 2, where the #ATLBudget crew will be discussing everything you knead (yes, we’re doubling down on that pun) to know about the upcoming budget at the Georgia Beer Garden. Get the inside scoop on which ingredients are making it into this year’s financial concoction, and find out how much dough is in each slice.

Plus, there will be actual pizza! Because what better way to engage the public on city finance than with carbs, cheese, and the occasional slice of reality? So before the pie is whisked away to the mayor for final approval, come share your mouthwatering ideas. Together, we can ensure that this budget doesn’t leave us feeling as empty as a pizza box after a party.

RSVP for the event here, and prepare to slice through the budget madness like a well-sharpened pizza cutter. Remember, keeping your community informed about how the city intends to spend our money is no laughing matter—except when it is, thanks to Mark Kendall and his merry band of civic doughnut hurters.