• 2009
• Concept Map
• Exhibit map

This map is a depiction of the federal discretionary budget compiled by the Office for Management and Budget and released by the White House each February. Thousands of pages of raw data are boiled down to the most open and accessible record of our nations’ spending. It is a uniquely revealing look at our national priorities that fluctuate yearly according to the wishes of the President, the power of Congress, and the will of the people.

Over 500 programs and departments and almost every program that receives over $200 million annually are shown using a hierarchical tree map. Each node’s size is proportional to the size of funding it receives. This allows the viewer to quickly compare and contrast levels of spending and to easily identify government priorities. In addition to spending levels, percentage data is included to show an increase or decrease of funding in response to priorities for that current year. The poster was designed for everyone so that they can form their own opinions and derive their own answers which often differ from political rhetoric.