The Start of Something New: Preparing for the 6th PB Cycle in District 39

     As fall begins, so does the start of District 39's sixth Participatory Budgeting cycle! Following an impressive voter turnout last spring (3100 voters--the highest turnout for District 39 yet), the support base for PB continues to grow. The emphasis on civic engagement and the opportunity to participate in a prime example of local democracy, all the while working to make a difference in your neighborhood, makes PB an incredibly unique and rewarding experience. As a newly appointed District Committee member, I'm eager to see what this year's PB cycle has in store.

A Review of the PB Process:
 
    The PB process begins with idea collection--a phase we will enter in the coming weeks. At district events and neighborhood assemblies, district residents can share their visions for neighborhood improvements. Past examples of project ideas include renovations for bathrooms in a public elementary school and the creation of a dog park in a vacant lot.
    Next comes the actual project development. Once categorical committees are formed with budget delegates and facilitators, project ideas will be narrowed down and the top picks will be developed into formal proposals. City agencies will provide feedback on the feasibility of these proposals and after final modifications, there will be a Project Expo intended to showcase all the potential PB projects to the public. Soon after comes Vote Week, in which district residents ages 14 and up will have the chance to determine which projects make the final cut and are funded by Council Member Brad Lander.
     The District Committee, which works in coordination with the Office of Council Member Lander, oversees the PB process. This group of dedicated PB participants takes on many tasks, among them organizing and hosting PB-related events, coordinating outreach to various District 39 communities, sometimes doubling as PB committee facilitators and liaisons, and coordinating Get Out the Vote efforts. With the addition of several new members this year, the District Committee is eager to expand the reach of our sixth PB cycle in District 39.

New Cycle Brings New Goals:

    Youth engagement is among the core goals of the District Committee this year. Inspired by last year's creation of the District 39 PB Youth Group, there will be another youth assembly held in late September to encourage more high school students to get involved in the PB process. Particularly for those not of legal age to vote in official elections, PB offers a unique opportunity for teens to have their voices heard and effect change in their neighborhood.
    Reaching a broader base of ethnic communities is another essential goal of this year's PB cycle. Equity is an important part of PB, as residents of all neighborhoods in District 39 are entitled to equal access to PB and to the communal rewards that can be reaped from the process. An emphasis on the inclusivity of PB, specifically through hosting neighborhood assemblies and other PB-related events in more diverse communities, helps to ensure that the equity PB is intended to foster is achieved.

How to Get Involved:

    Whether you're a veteran of PB or a newcomer looking to join, the idea collection phase is the ideal place to start in on the process. You can attend a PB event to submit an idea or even submit an idea online (go to http://ideas.pbnyc.org/page/about). In addition, neighborhood assemblies offer great opportunities to not only share your thoughts, but interact with residents from around the district. Later in the process, you can join a PB committee and contribute to the development of project proposals from their infancies to being ballot-ready! But remember, the amazing thing about PB is that you define your time commitment. The process is open to all who want to participate for as much as they want to participate in.
     There are also many ways in which to become more informed about what exactly the PB process entails. Websites like that of Council Member Brad Lander (http://bradlander.nyc/PB), the New York City Council (http://labs.council.nyc/pb/), and the Participatory Budgeting Council (http://www.participatorybudgeting.org/) provide detailed information on PB. And of course, this blog can also be a resource to provide you with updates throughout the District 39 PB cycle.

   With a new year of PB comes a new opportunity to become involved in this great process--so don't be shy! Share your ideas for neighborhood improvements and join a team of passionate district residents in envisioning and developing projects that will benefit our District 39 community.


The dates and locations for District 39's upcoming neighborhood assemblies are listed below:

PBNYC Assembly at Carroll Gardens Library

Focus on Arts and Education

Monday, September 19th

6:30 p.m.

396 Clinton St. (near Union St.), Brooklyn, NY

RSVP here: http://bradlander.nationbuilder.com/pbnyc2016assembly1?utm_campaign=pbassem16pastin&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bradlander

PBNYC Assembly at Park Slope Library

Focus on Streets & Transit, Parks, and the Environment

Thursday, September 22

6:30 p.m.

431 6^th Ave. (near 9^th St.), Brooklyn, NY

RSVP here: http://bradlander.nationbuilder.com/pbnyc2016assembly2?utm_campaign=pbassem16pastin&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bradlander

PBNYC Assembly at PS 230

Wednesday, September 28

6:30 pm

1 Albemarle Rd (btw Dahill Rd. and McDonald Ave), Brooklyn, NY

RSVP here: http://bradlander.nationbuilder.com/pbnyc2016assembly3?utm_campaign=pbassem16pastin&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bradlander