A budget calendar is the schedule of key dates and milestones in the annual budget development process. It typically includes deadlines for departmental budget submissions, dates for administrative review and compilation, scheduled council presentations and public meetings, deliberation sessions, and the final approval date. Budget calendars are usually set months in advance so all participants—staff, councillors, and public—can prepare and participate. The calendar ensures the budget process stays on track to meet legal deadlines for budget adoption and tax rate setting. Complex municipal budgets may have calendars spanning six months or more from initial planning to final approval.