In neighborhoods across New York City, participatory budgeting helps residents decide how public funds are spent. This year, the Harding Park community made their voice heard, and the results are already taking root. The last time I visited Harding Park, it was abandoned and desolate. It was impossible to walk through the thick underbrush, but we knew just as well as the community members living there, it was filled with potential. When NYC’s Participatory Budgeting process opened up for Fiscal Year 2026, local residents rallied behind a restoration project that would ensure it could thrive for years to come.
The winning proposal secured $350,000 in the FY26 budget to fund the installation of a modern irrigation system in the Harding Park garden. This project also complements broader city efforts in neighborhood beautification, including job programs through the Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) and NYC-based greenmarket and fresh food initiatives.
But this win would not have happened without community support. From volunteers with BuildOn who showed up to restore parts of the garden, to the neighbors who cast their votes, this was a true grassroots effort. It exemplifies what is possible when Government listens, and when residents lead.
What’s Next:
The funding has been secured, and planning is underway. The restoration process will begin with the design and installation of the irrigation system. The project will be managed through the appropriate city agencies with ongoing oversight.
In the meantime, the garden continues to receive love and attention from local volunteers and community groups.
This is only the beginning for Harding Park. Participatory budgeting happens every year, and your ideas, voice, and vote matter. Whether you’re passionate about parks, schools, streets, or safety, PB is your chance to shape your community from the ground up.
To learn more about upcoming cycles, how to propose a project, or when to vote, visit https://council.nyc.gov/pb/ or reach out to your local council office.