Budget update: progress and next steps

Since announcing updates to our budget process, we’ve actively sought and gathered feedback from across the Cardano community, focusing closely on roles, responsibilities, and next steps. Key discussions have revolved around how DReps can shape the budget before it’s finalized, the roles of committees now and in the future, and clarifying how draft committee proposals from February might move into formal Budget Info Actions.

Additionally, we’ve witnessed active community participation through mechanisms such as the submission of a Net-Change-Limit proposal and heightened interest around our upcoming committee elections.

This is a bold and exciting new era for governance of Cardano. No other protocol has attempted it at this level before – this is truly a first. As a community we should all be very proud of what has been achieved so far. Yet, inevitably, it brings many challenges and we’re all still learning. The budget process we’re implementing is essentially a pilot: structured to capitalize on strong consensus around Cardano’s product roadmap, technical stack improvements, and broader ecosystem priorities. This includes open-source initiatives and ecosystem enablers such as Catalyst. As with any iterative initiative, starting lean ensures we can adapt quickly, improve the process, and foster greater community involvement.

The steps ahead

Throughout March and up to April 24th, the community can submit proposals that directly support the delivery of the proposed product roadmap. Additionally, any open ideas or proposals, including committee proposals, can be submitted via the new intake form. Submitting proposals earlier gives DReps more time to consider the proposal and may increase the likelihood of Intersect’s committees providing reviews and feedback.
On or around March 31st, a new dashboard will display the proposals received so far, providing committees and the community with an early opportunity to give feedback.
In parallel, the Net-Change-Limit will need to be agreed to allow us to move towards submitting a Budget Info Action.
In mid-to-late April, new functionality will be released into the GovTool stack (with open APIs), where the tooling, mirroring mainnet conditions, will utilize DRep stake-based signaling to effectively build consensus on submitted proposals, creating implicit consent for budget items before submission on-chain.
In late April and May, we anticipate hosting a two or three-day reconciliation workshop to align proposals that have strong to borderline community support. We are still determining – in close collaboration with DReps – whether these will take place virtually or in a physical location – or a blend (see below). There are important pros and cons to consider in each approach. However, following this event, we plan to submit a consolidated Budget Info Action for DReps and the interim Constitutional Committee to officially consider. More on this below.
If approved on-chain, the Budget Info Action will take effect. Proposals with identified vendors can be streamlined into Treasury Withdrawal Actions. For committee or external proposals without an identified vendor, Intersect can facilitate procurement if specified by the applicant and subsequently approved by DReps as part of the Budget Info Action.
Given the procedural on-chain steps, we expect initial Treasury Withdrawal Actions to be submitted on-chain in June to July.

A budget reconciliation workshop

Following the proposal review stage, a reconciliation event can facilitate informed discussion and consensus-building among DReps, vendors, and the broader Cardano community. This event aims to further reconcile and align proposals, culminating in a robust Budget Info Action that secures strong implicit consent and addresses ecosystem priorities with greater accuracy.

Based on an informal ongoing poll in the DRep Forum on X, the emerging consensus leans strongly toward a hybrid format, with a clear emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity at the core of any event.

13% of DReps favor an in-person format
19% prefer an online format
31% support a hybrid blend (over 50% if “show results” is discounted)

The poll remains live until Tuesday, March 25 with a follow up survey here. If you are a DRep we strongly encourage you to share your view.

Over the coming days and weeks, we’ll share more on the proposed reconciliation event and progress on the new tooling.

Role of DReps in our budget process

The community has shown varied perspectives on DReps’ roles in shaping budget proposals before they reach on-chain voting. Given the pilot nature of our current process, we recognize that actively involving DReps earlier – through feedback, signaling support, and collaborative refinement – will significantly enhance the quality of Budget Info Actions and provide clearer community direction. DReps interested in early-stage collaboration can provide clear signaling, ensuring alignment with community preferences. Although optional, this early engagement offers DReps an opportunity to meaningfully influence proposals before formal submission, establishing a more robust model for future budgets or decision-making cycles.

Committee budget submissions

We want to thank all the Intersect committees, who have invested substantial effort into their February draft proposals, many of which garnered strong community support. To leverage this foundational work, committees can now submit line items that may have received a warm reception already, or their block budget entirely directly through the same streamlined intake form.

While some submissions may initially lack vendor specification, they can, if desired, transparently utilize Intersect’s procurement processes, enabling a swift transition into formal Budget Info Actions.

Committees: present and future roles

Intersect’s committees, originating from our ethos as an open and accountable member-based organization, play an influential role in guiding Cardano’s strategic direction. Committees can offer critical insights, help shape wider community understanding, and inform decision-making, particularly through detailed commentaries on budget proposals within their experience or domain expertise. This approach exemplifies the Product Committee’s recent initiative – submitting a proposed Cardano roadmap directly on-chain to seek formal feedback and validation.

While valuable, committee inputs are advisory, complementing broader community deliberations. Intersect aims to enhance decision-making outcomes by clearly integrating committee insights into broader community discussions, supporting DReps and the community to be well-informed, empowered, and engaged.

Intersect committee elections overview

Intersect committee elections enable the Cardano community to select representatives who will offer specialized guidance and strategic direction across key areas of governance and development. Held twice a year, the elections ensure committees remain responsive and accountable to community needs, aligning closely with Cardano’s decentralized vision.

Each elected committee has a distinct focus, from technical development and budgeting oversight to community engagement and marketing strategies. Intersect members participating in these elections as candidates or voting members directly influence Cardano’s evolution, promoting transparency, expertise, and community-driven governance.

Learn more about the election process.

How to get involved

We recognize the rapid pace at which this process is unfolding – and the evolving ways the community can get involved. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate these new waters together. We are all still learning and this is simply the reality of doing it for the first time while also aiming to support the Cardano ecosystem as it grows and unlocks critical priorities for funding.

There are several ways you can get involved:

Submit your proposal now. If you want to support the development and delivery of the product roadmap – or any initiative you believe Cardano needs – submit via our new intake form today.
Intersect committee members: If you’re part of a committee and would like to submit proposals based on your work in late 2024 and early 2025, use the same intake form and list “Intersect Procurement Process” as your vendor.
Engage with proposals. Once proposals are made public through the new tooling, provide commentary and share your thoughts with your DRep.
Apply and run as a candidate in the upcoming Intersect committee elections – registrations are open until April 4, 2025.
Join the conversation. Participate in open AMAs (both topical and general) and X Spaces throughout March and April to help keep the process moving in the right direction. If you are a DRep, here are some useful resources – and feel free to suggest others to @IntersectMBO!