Virtual event
How to Win Budget Approval
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Thursday, May 7, 2026
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Speakers
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Event Description
Learn how to secure the budget, headcount or support you need by building a clear case around outcomes, risk and value for money.
This event will explore how to turn a good idea into a funding case that lands with senior decision-makers, at a time when budgets are tight and scrutiny is high. We will cover how to define the proposed outcome in plain language, connect your ask to strategic priorities, build a strong evidence story with the data you already have and communicate clearly what your organisation gains by investing now.
You will leave with frameworks you can reuse for business cases, budget bids and internal pitches, plus language that helps you respond with confidence when you are asked to deliver more with limited resources. You will hear from senior public finance and leadership voices who have funded programmes in tough cycles and from practitioners who have built credible cases from the inside of their institutions.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Speakers
Helen Lei
Management Analyst, County Executive's Office of Budget, Policy and Performance, County of San Mateo
USA
Helen Lei, a Management Analyst supporting the County’s Chief Fiscal Officer. Helen ensures timely budget and legislative delivery while advancing new initiatives. With 15+ years across government, nonprofit, and private sectors—including Capitol Hill and California agencies—she specialises in public affairs, community engagement and building partnerships around sustainability, public health and economic development.
