City Council District 28 is one of twenty-three districts participating in Cycle 14 of participatory budgeting, where constituents from each district will decide how to spend $1 million in capital funding locally.
What is participatory budgeting?
Participatory budgeting is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend $1 million on capital projects. Qualifying projects must cost at least $50,000 and have a lifespan of at least 5 years. Funds for this program can be used for physical improvements that benefit the public.
PB funds physical infrastructure projects like improvements to schools, parks, libraries, public housing, streets and more. We encourage interested community members to submit project ideas here: https://rnd.council.nyc.gov/ideamap/map/. Contact Ayana Greene to get involved: AGreene@council.nyc.gov.
How does participatory budgeting work?
District residents design and submit project ideas. Then, volunteers join delegate committees to develop those suggestions into project proposals, and work with city agencies to estimate project costs. The projects with the most votes are included in next year’s city budget, to be built or implemented over the next few years.
- Idea Collection and Volunteer Recruitment (September – October)
Through community meetings, residents brainstorm ideas and recruit Budget Delegates for the current cycle. - Proposal Development (October – January)
Budget Delegates transform ideas into full proposals, with support from city agencies and staff. Delegates narrow down proposals and select projects that meet the needs of the community. - GOTV and Vote Week (March – April)
Once proposals have been determined, Budget Delegates and residents get out the vote and prepare for a nine-day community vote. - Evaluation and Planning (May – June)
Winning projects are included in New York City’s upcoming fiscal year budget. Staff and stakeholders evaluate the process and oversee the implementation of winning projects by agencies. - Want to volunteer?
Delegates, Facilitators, and Poll Workers make the real work of democracy possible. Learn more about how you can participate or sign up to volunteer by calling the district office at 718-206-2068 or contacting Ayana Greene: AGreene@council.nyc.gov.
Voting Sites
- Office of New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
165-38A Baisley Blvd, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434
Monday, March 31, 2025 – Friday, April 4, 2025
During operational hours - Rochdale Village Library
169-09 137th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11434
Monday, March 31, 2025 – Friday, April 4, 2025
During operational hours - South Ozone Park Library
128-16 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Monday, March 31, 2025 – Friday, April 4, 2025
During operational hours - Baisley Park Library
117-11 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11436
Monday, March 31, 2025 – Friday, April 4, 2025
During operational hours - Rochdale Village Shopping Mall
169-65 137th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11434
Monday, March 31, 2025 – Friday, April 4, 2025
During operational hours
| Category | Project Title | Location | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Bathroom Upgrades for PS 123Q | PS 123Q, 145-01 119th Avenue |
$300,000 | Funding will go towards renovating all the girls’ bathroom to include new stalls, lighting fixtures and more. |
| Education | Bathroom Upgrades for Epic South H.S. | PS 40Q | $300,000 | Funding will go towards renovating the bathrooms to include new stalls, lighting fixtures and more. |
| Education | Technology Upgrades for PS8Q | PS 80Q Thurgood Marshall, 171-05 137th Avenue |
$300,000 | Funding will go towards adding 5 Smartboards around the gym for interactive learning and presentations. |
| Education | Technology Upgrades for MS72 | MS 72, 133-25 Guy R Brewer Blvd |
$300,000 | Funding will go towards adding new Smartboards to each classroom and 10 new laptop/tablet carts. |
| Total: | $1,200,000 |
Click More Info for New York City Council’s Participatory Budgeting details.
Click here to learn about the Mayor’s Office of NYC Civic Engagement Commission’s PB process, The People’s Money.