On February 14, Fukuoka City announced its draft budget for the fiscal year of 2020. A record-largest budget of ¥887 billion (+2.4% compared to the previous year) will be mainly used to upgrade urban infrastructure as well as to promote a higher quality of life by providing better education. Expenses for child-rearing and education include enhancing child care services (¥495 million) and financial aid for caregivers working at nurseries and kindergartens (¥466 million). The income of the newly introduced accommodation tax will be dedicated to reinforcing infrastructure such as the construction of additional elevators and escalators inside subway stations of Tenjin and Hakata (¥316 billion) and removing utility poles from the tourist areas of Shikanoshima peninsula. The field of sport and disaster prevention is another feature for the year. Approximately ¥246 million will be allocated to supporting projects for the Olympics and Paralympic games, while over ¥4.4 billion will be dedicated to preparation for the FINA World Championships 2021. The draft budget will be discussed at the city congress starting February 21. Source: Nikkei 02/14/2020
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