Office of Planning and Budget

The Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) was established in 1972 by OCGA sec 45-12-272 et seq. (creational and powers of office) created by the Executive Reorganization Act of 1972.

OPB provides the governor with policymaking assistance in determining strategic and tactical plans for state budget recommendations. OPB analyzes agency budget requests and consults with budget officers of each agency. Based on the governor's priorities, the amount of funding increases requested, past performances and revenue estimates for the next fiscal year, comprehensive budget recommendations are prepared for each agency and submitted to the legislature for consideration. OPB is also the principle state agency for the development of the State Strategic Plan, furnishing official demographic data on the state, and coordinating and standardizing statistical information about Georgia. OPB serves as the state agency for all federal programs requiring designation of a single clearinghouse when another agency is not specifically designated as such, provides a general research capability to the governor, and provides consulting services to the governor and state agencies.

OPB consists of 75 employees under the leadership of Director Shelley Nickel. The major divisions are: Executive, Administration, Planning Research and Evaluation; and budget: Education, General Government, Human Development, and Physical and Economic Development.

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