The city’s two-year budgeting cycle kicks off later this month with the Citizens’ Budget Conference. It’s spearheaded by the City Neighborhood Council, which as of last month is led by two West Seattleites – Chas Redmond (from Morgan Community Association) is chair, Jim Del Ciello (from Admiral Neighborhood Association) is vice chair. Mayor McGinn will be there too. January 31, noon-5 pm, Center House @ Seattle Center; more info on the Department of Neighborhood‘s Front Porch website. Hat tip to Chas for an e-mail heads-up; of the event, he says, “This is a real opportunity for the citizens to tag up with various departments and get an understanding of where their tax money actually goes and what programs are supported – and this time, what programs are at risk.” (Even more info can be found on this flyer he forwarded.)