Protesters question police budget increases in Phoenix Budget proposal includes $43 million increase in funding. and last updated 2021-05-04 22:34:44-04 PHOENIX â On Tuesday, protesters questioned city council members' responsiveness to community concerns as the council moves forward with a $43 million increase to the Phoenix police budget. More than 50 representatives of Black Lives Matter- PHX Metro, Poder In Action, Semillas Az, Fund for Empowerment, Chispa AZ, UUJAZ, Phoenix Local Organizing Committee gathered outside the Phoenix City Council Chambers. Inside, the meeting included a review of public input during budget hearings in March and April. There were 199 comments for reducing the police budget or at least opposing more funding. There were 26 comments for more funding for police officers, 911 operators, and civilian hiring and training, according to the city manager's report. The city made no changes to the draft police budget in response to the budget hearing comments.