St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter on Friday announced a series of seven free events throughout the month designed to explain the city’s budget process leading up to the 2019 budget address Aug. 9.

These events will be held at community businesses and will feature games to give residents an understanding of the process and the opportunity to weigh in on next year’s priorities. The city’s 2018 operating budget is $709.37 million.

“How we budget and spend our money is our clearest and most important opportunity to demonstrate what we value as a community,” Carter said. “I invite everyone to join the conversation and help shape the city’s 2019 budget as we move forward together.”

The 90-minute events will be at the following businesses:

8 a.m. July 13, Golden Thyme Coffee

Noon July 15, Burger Moe’s

2:30 p.m. July 15, Summit Brewing

4:30 p.m. July 19, Lake Monster Brewing

4:30 p.m. July 26, Spring Cafe, Como Park

1 p.m. July 28, The Goat Coffeehouse

2 p.m. July 29, Brunson’s Pub

The 2019 Budget Address will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 9 at Washington Technology Magnet Middle School.