Participatory Budgeting (PB) is back, and we want YOU to tell us how to spend $1 million across the district. Vote week runs from April 11-19. Learn more about the 10 ballot items being voted on this year below!
Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a process through which local residents can decide how to allocate $1 million in city capital funding toward projects that improve their community. No one knows what our communities need best than the folks who live there. The entire PB process is transparent, equity-oriented, and community-driven, as community members propose ideas, decide what makes the ballot, and ultimately vote on which proposals to fund. Projects can include improvements to everything from schools to libraries to public housing to other public spaces. By participating, you determine the future of our community, our district, and our home.
P.S. 011 Purvis J. Behan Kitchen Upgrade ($250,000)
Walt L. Shamel Community Garden Upgrades ($500,000)
District 35 Street Tree Guards ($200,000)
P.S. 241 Emma L. Johnston Outdoor Space Upgrade ($750,000)
Van for EMS Division 3 ($80,000)
P.S. 705 Science Lab Development ($125,000)
New Bridges Elementary Cafeteria Upgrade ($200,000)
P.S. 316 Elijah G. Stroud Library Tech Upgrade ($100,000)
P.S. 270 The DeKalb School Music Studio ($200,000)
Crown Heights Roadway Repaving ($250,000)
To view or download our 2026 Ballot Supplement, click the button below.
P.S. 011 Purvis J. Behan Kitchen Upgrade ($250,000)
P.S. 011 is an elementary school serving 831 students, all of whom are eligible for New York City’s free breakfast and lunch program throughout the school year. Many students rely on these meals, with New York City public schools providing 220,000 meals for breakfast and 540,000 meals for lunch daily on average to students. A $250,000 allocation would fund a modernization of the school’s kitchen facilities, ensuring students receive high quality, nutritious meals.
Walt L. Shamel Community Garden Upgrades ($500,000)
Walter L. Shamel Community Garden is a thriving garden and community space located in Crown Heights. The garden offers community events, is home to a composting program, and serves generally as a greenspace for the residents of Crown Heights. Currently, garden access is limited because those with mobility issues are unable to navigate the space. A $500,000 allocation would allow the garden to construct an ADA pathway, and for the design and construction of internal water service infrastructure.
District 35 Street Tree Guards ($200,000)
Street trees provide critical environmental services to our neighborhoods by absorbing floodwater, providing shade, trapping air pollution, and providing shelter for wildlife. Our district has many tree beds with live trees that are not protected by tree guards, which help minimize soil compaction and protect trees from physical harm and pet waste. A $200,000 allocation would provide funding for 100 tree guards throughout District 35. A more protected tree canopy ensures that residents can enjoy the benefits that trees provide to our community.
P.S. 241 Emma L. Johnston Outdoor Space Upgrade ($750,000)
P.S. 241 serves 293 elementary school students, 92% of whom are students of color and 81% of whom face economic disadvantages. Children in New York have limited access to safe outdoor recreation areas. Ensuring that students have access to these types of spaces to form social connections and safely participate in physical activities in schools is essential. A $750,000 allocation would allow P.S. 241 to upgrade its outdoor space, benefiting all of the school’s students.
Van for EMS Division 3 ($80,000)
EMS vans are critical in times of emergency, providing basic medical response and transportation to a hospital. EMS services responded to approximately 1.6 million medical emergencies across New York City during Fiscal Year 2024, with Brooklyn experiencing the highest rate of 911 calls. As average response times by EMS to medical emergencies increase, it is critical that first responders have access to the necessary equipment. A $80,000 allocation would allow EMS Division 3 to purchase a new van to serve Central Brooklyn.
P.S. 705 Science Lab Development ($125,000)
Science classes allow students to learn about and connect with the natural world around them. Science labs specifically provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration with classmates through experiments and other exploratory lessons. P.S. 705 serves 220 students, 82% of whom are students of color and 75% of whom are economically disadvantaged. A $125,000 allocation would fund new science instruction equipment and materials, improving the science curriculum for all P.S. 705 students.
New Bridges Elementary Cafeteria Upgrade ($200,000)
Cafeterias are central parts of student life, functioning as a place for meals, social interaction, and community activities. New Bridges Elementary serves 360 students, 97% of whom are students of color and 83% of whom are economically disadvantaged. Many of these students rely on their school cafeteria as a source of nutrition, as well as a place to connect with their peers. A $200,000 allocation would fund improved food storage, preparation and serving equipment, as well as new seating and general facilities upgrades.
P.S. 316 Elijah G. Stroud Library Tech Upgrade ($100,000)
School libraries are essential common spaces for students to congregate, explore new interests, and engage with new ideas. Technology is increasingly becoming central to how students access information, making it a necessary component of modern libraries. Additionally, library equipment is accessible to the full student body. P.S. 316 serves 595 students, 82% of whom are students of color and 58% of whom are economically disadvantaged. An allocation of $125,000 would purchase new computers and smartboards for the P.S. 316 library.
P.S. 270 The DeKalb School Music Studio ($200,000)
P.S. 270 serves 73 elementary school students, 96% of whom are students of color and 92% of whom are economically disadvantaged. The school places emphasis on the arts and currently has a partnership with the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. A $200,000 allocation would allow the school to expand this partnership by transforming a classroom into a music and recording studio space for students, and allow for an expansion of the instrumental music program with the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.
Crown Heights Roadway Repaving ($250,000)
New York City roads are among the worst in the nation, costing motorists nearly $3,700 annually in higher vehicle expenses as a result of poor road conditions. More than 12,640 residents of Community Districts 8 and 9 drive a vehicle to work, and poor road conditions impact not only their ability to get to work but also slow delivery times for businesses. A $250,000 allocation would repave one lane mile in Crown Heights and improve road conditions for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.