The Idea Map shows what districts and locations have submitted ideas on record. It will be open through the end of 2025! Submit your ideas on the official Idea Map. You may also scan the QR Code using the camera on your mobile device to access the site.
What Is Participatory Budgeting (PB)?
Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process that allows community members to directly decide how to spend part of a public budget.
In New York City, it PB began in 2011 when four Council Members—Brad Lander, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Eric Ulrich, and Jumaane D. Williams—launched a process allowing residents to allocate a portion of their capital discretionary funds.
Today, 24 Council Members across NYC are asking residents how to spend at least $24 million in capital funding for local improvements to schools, parks, libraries, and other public spaces.
Vote Week
Dates: Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 19
Note: Countdown clock on the website may display incorrectly.
User Manual and Guidelines
Anyone can post ideas on the Idea Map.
Eligible projects must be capital projects—physical infrastructure improvements for public benefit (costing more than $50,000 and less than $1 million).
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Parks and playground upgrades
- School renovations and classroom improvements
- NYCHA development repairs or enhancements
- Community center equipment and facility upgrades
Non-eligible requests include:
- After-school programs
- Swimming or educational classes
- Financial literacy courses
- Additional trash bins or cleanup crews
- Private buildings or non-profit funding
Click “Select Language” at the top right of the map to use it in your preferred language.
How to Submit an Idea
You can submit your idea in two ways:
1. Using the Search Bar
- Enter an address in the upper-left corner of the Idea Map.
- Select from the dropdown suggestions within the highlighted participating districts.
- Verify your pinpoint on the map.
- Right-click to open a submission form.
- Complete the form and click “Submit.”
2. Using the “Submit My Idea” Button
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Submit My Idea.”
- Fill out the form and select an address from the dropdown list to capture the exact location.
Additional tips:
- Filter ideas by category using the Idea Type buttons at the top.
- Click idea pins for more information.
- Open the drawer on the left side to view all submitted ideas.
- Use the search bar to find ideas by name, description, district, or type.
- Sort ideas alphabetically or by submission date.
Ideas collected through the end of 2025 will be considered for Cycle 15.
Common Questions
Why participate in Participatory Budgeting?
It gives community members the opportunity to share what their neighborhoods need most and influence how public funds are spent.
How does it work?
- Submit your ideas.
- City agencies review submissions for eligibility.
- Approved projects appear on the ballot for community voting.
What are the benefits?
Winning projects receive funding and are completed in your community.
Why only one million dollars?
Each City Council Member has $1 million in capital funding to allocate through PB.
What is the deadline for submitting ideas?
Ideas can be submitted through the end of 2025.
How do I get involved?
Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and opportunities to volunteer.
You can also become a Budget Delegate—a community volunteer who reviews submitted projects and helps educate others about the PB process.
When will winners be announced?
Winning projects are announced in June and shared through our newsletter and social media.
Past Winning Projects
Cycle 14: Harding Park Community Garden – Inter-Water Supply Upgrade
Cycle 13: Gym Air Conditioning Upgrades – Castle Hill Middle School and Linden Tree Elementary School ($500,000)
Cycle 12: Gym Air Conditioning Upgrades – Women’s Academy of Excellence ($750,000)
Cycle 12: Life Skills Classroom – P.S. 17X ($500,000)
Cycle 11: Student Technology Access – P.S. 17X and Comp Sci High ($125,000)
Cycle 11: Park Maintenance – Pugsley Creek Park ($20,000 for seasonal staff)
Cycle 11: Park Maintenance – Clason Point Park ($80,000 for summer staff)
Cycle 11: Auditorium Seat Upgrade – Blueprint Middle School ($750,000)
In-Person Voting Locations
Vote during Vote Week (April 11–19) online or at various sites throughout District 18.
