The 2026-27 Participatory Budgeting cycle is starting with the idea collection process this week. You may recall that Participatory Budgeting is a small-d democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend $1M of my “capital” budget—for long-lasting improvements to the district.
Submit your ideas for improving our neighborhoods online through the idea collection map by Friday, 11/28—or stop by my District Office (563 Columbus Ave.) between 10 am–6 pm weekdays to fill out an idea card in person.
We’re also forming a Volunteer Committee to help gather and review suggestions—it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and shape the community. If you can commit a few hours a week through mid-April, email Cynthia Hornig in my office at chornig@council.nyc.gov with “PB Volunteer” in the subject line.
2025-26 Results!
After months of community involvement—from collecting ideas last fall to casting ballots in April—more than 4,000 people voted on how to allocate over $1 million to projects in the district. Here are the winners:
- Tree Guard Installation – $160,000. Install 100 tree guards around street trees throughout the district to protect them from damage, support healthy growth, and enhance the streetscape.
- Bathroom Upgrade at PS84 – $300,000. Renovate two student bathrooms in poor condition at Lillian Weber School of the Arts to improve usability and comfort for students.
- Riverside Park Wall Repair – $100,000. Restore the deteriorating retaining wall at West 72nd St. by replacing mortar and reinstalling missing stones to improve safety and structural integrity.
- Gymnasium Cooling System Upgrade at William O’Shea School Complex — $250,000. Install a new cooling system in the gymnasium improving comfort and safety for students, staff, and community members including MS247 and MS245.
- Cooling System Upgrade at Frank McCourt High School – $250,000. Upgrade the school’s cooling system to ensure a more comfortable and climate-resilient environment for students and staff.
But wait, there’s more! My office is funding the remaining two projects on the PB ballot: Broadway Mall repairs, and upgrades for the High School of Environmental Studies.
Thank you to everyone who participated—whether by submitting ideas, volunteering, or casting a vote. Your involvement continues to make a real difference in shaping our community.
