Combing local democracy with
community activism and strengthening government-constituent relationships,
participatory budgeting is an exciting, creative and rewarding
experience. This year, 28 council districts are participating in the process, which means that an unprecedented number of community members will be able to share their own ideas for improvements they want to see
in their neighborhood.
Throughout the local PB NYC process here in District 39, this blog will serve to provide updates on PB events and deadlines, act as a resource for PB information, and follow the PB ballot as it develops.
This site will also be a
special resource for youth in the district, as a means of keeping the newest voting members informed about ways to stay involved in PB.
What is participatory
budgeting and how did it begin?
Participatory budgeting,
known as PB NYC, is a district-wide process allowing constituents to envision,
propose and vote on neighborhood projects to be funded by their city
councilman's discretionary funding.
The PB NYC process involves a
lot of creativity, dedication and democratic spirit that both youth and adults
can provide with the ultimate goal of making ideal neighborhood improvements a
reality. Library renovations, school upgrades, playground remodeling, park
cleanups, and more crossing guards are only some of the kinds of projects that can come out of PB.
Additionally, PB is a process that has
been done on both a national and global scale. The first PB process in the U.S.
only a few years ago but since then, PB has become incredibly popular
and spread across cities, states, and countries, alike.
Who runs PB in District 39?
The Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP), the Office of City Council Member Brad Lander, and the
District Committee oversee the PB process in District 39. Volunteers also
contribute to the PB, acting as budget delegates, project proposers,
and event volunteers. But PB is really a process run by the district's constituents,
as it's their votes that determine the proposals that come out of the PB process as funded projects.
Who can be involved in PB?
Everyone in the district can contribute
their ideas about neighborhood improvements in the PB process! Even people outside of the district are welcome to volunteer.
What is particularly exciting for young people in the district is that the PB NYC voting age limit has been
lowered to 14! That means teenagers are more essential than ever in the
2015 PB NYC cycle. Youth can provide new perspectives on what neighborhoods really
need and voice their own ideas for improving their communities.
The best way to stay involved with PB NYC is to attend PB NYC events, which are listed on both City Council Member Brad Lander's website and will be shown on this site as well. And of course, following this website can provide you with helpful resources and information about PB (bradlander.nyc).
