Public budgeting and finance is a field that connects academic research and practical application. However, these communities often operate independently, leading to research that does not address current government challenges. This article aims to establish a research agenda that aligns academic research with the needs of practitioners. Through a ranked-choice voting process, the top two research areas identified are the fiscal health of governments and the implementation of social equity budgeting. Public budgeting and finance are central to public administration. Budgeting determines how resources are allocated to provide public goods and services. Research in this area has grown, with publications in various disciplines. However, there is a gap between academic research and practical needs. The academic-practitioner divide has widened, with practitioners struggling to access relevant research. To address this, an inclusive approach was taken, involving academics and practitioners. A survey was conducted to identify research areas, followed by a ranked-choice voting process to prioritize them. The top priorities are fiscal health and social equity budgeting. Fiscal health involves understanding government financial stability and long-term health. Social equity budgeting focuses on incorporating fairness and justice into budgeting processes. Other key areas include budgeting systems, community engagement, tax and revenue policy, capital budgeting, education finance, managing budget offices, and emergency management. The research agenda emphasizes the need for studies that improve budgeting systems, enhance community participation, develop equitable tax policies, and address the financial impacts of disasters. It also highlights the importance of understanding how governments can better manage their finances and ensure equitable resource distribution. The study concludes that public budgeting and finance research should focus on practical applications that address current challenges. The research agenda aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical needs, ensuring that research contributes to the effective management of public resources and the well-being of communities.Public budgeting and finance is a field that connects academic research and practical application. However, these communities often operate independently, leading to research that does not address current government challenges. This article aims to establish a research agenda that aligns academic research with the needs of practitioners. Through a ranked-choice voting process, the top two research areas identified are the fiscal health of governments and the implementation of social equity budgeting. Public budgeting and finance are central to public administration. Budgeting determines how resources are allocated to provide public goods and services. Research in this area has grown, with publications in various disciplines. However, there is a gap between academic research and practical needs. The academic-practitioner divide has widened, with practitioners struggling to access relevant research. To address this, an inclusive approach was taken, involving academics and practitioners. A survey was conducted to identify research areas, followed by a ranked-choice voting process to prioritize them. The top priorities are fiscal health and social equity budgeting. Fiscal health involves understanding government financial stability and long-term health. Social equity budgeting focuses on incorporating fairness and justice into budgeting processes. Other key areas include budgeting systems, community engagement, tax and revenue policy, capital budgeting, education finance, managing budget offices, and emergency management. The research agenda emphasizes the need for studies that improve budgeting systems, enhance community participation, develop equitable tax policies, and address the financial impacts of disasters. It also highlights the importance of understanding how governments can better manage their finances and ensure equitable resource distribution. The study concludes that public budgeting and finance research should focus on practical applications that address current challenges. The research agenda aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical needs, ensuring that research contributes to the effective management of public resources and the well-being of communities.