City’s top budget official named to prestigious list of finance phenoms

The City of Minneapolis is proud to announce that Budget Director Jayne Discenza has been named a "Top Woman in Finance" by Finance & Commerce. The annual list includes Minnesota-based women who make a name for themselves in shaping the finance industry. The 2025 list honors 37 "remarkable" women.

"Jayne is a brilliant budget leader, and her exceptional stewardship of taxpayer dollars makes Minneapolis stronger,"said Mayor Jacob Frey. "From making the City's finances more transparent to making sure residents have a real voice in the process, Jayne has raised the bar. This recognition is a big deal, and it's one more reason we're lucky to have her leading our budget team."

About Discenza

Discenza joined the City of Minneapolis in 2019 and leads a team of nine in the Finance and Property Services department. She started as a budget analyst and was promoted just four years later to the director role. One of the greater projects under Discenza's tenure so far is her transformation of the City's budget book into a fully online, interactive report for greater transparency for all departments.

She also spearheaded the public engagement process for the City's budget, building connections with communities that have been traditionally disconnected from the budget process. This process led to hosting focus groups that promoted greater understanding of how budgets are formulated, the tradeoffs facing policymakers, and the reality of property tax impacts for renters and homeowners alike.

"Jayne's focus is on improved understanding of budget choices so that residents are empowered to offer feedback," saidthe City's Chief Financial Officer Dushani Dye. "Promoting mutual understanding and increasing trust is an essential task for governments, and Jayne has taken that on with flying colors. We're so proud of her accomplishments with the City and look forward to her many more contributions."

Volunteer work

Outside of her work with the City, Discenza gives her time as chair of Pro-Choice Minnesota. She's also sat on the board for the League of Women Voters of Saint Paul and served as volunteer lead with the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

An outside panel of experts reviewed the "Top Women" nominations and helped select the honorees. Discenza and her fellow 2025 list-makers will be honored at a networking and awards event in November.

"Jayne's professional accomplishments, leadership in our community and commitment to her profession are impressive," said David Bohlander, editor-in-chief of Finance & Commerce. "We're excited to honor her and the other nominees for a job well done."