Participatory budgeting: 2022, Cycle 12
City Council District 6 is one of twenty-nine districts participating in Cycle 12 of participatory budgeting, where constituents from each district will decide how to spend $1 million in capital funding locally.
Ideas can be submitted at Council Member Brewer’s District Office, located at 563 Columbus Avenue, or online at: http://ideas.pbnyc.org/page/about
Contact Leonardo Bullaro to get involved: lbullaro@council.nyc.gov
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.
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.
The window to submit ideas is September 12-November 11: http://ideas.pbnyc.org/page/about
Vote week is scheduled for March 25 – April 2, 2023.
Guidelines for what can be funded: http://ideas.pbnyc.org/page/guidelines
Idea Collection and Volunteer Recruitment September – November
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.
To learn about the NYC Civic Engagement Commission’s PB process, click here.
More information on this year and last year’s participatory budgeting cycles in District 6: https://council.nyc.gov/gale-brewer/participatory-budgeting/
THE RESULTS FOR LAST CYCLE (2022):
We received over 1,700 ballots from residents of District 6 for the 2022 cycle of Participatory Budgeting. Voting took place 4/2 – 4/10. The winners were:
- Security Cameras on Broadway, Amsterdam, Columbus, & Riverside Drive: 672 Votes, $320,000 to install eight security cameras on Broadway, Amsterdam, Columbus, and Riverside Drive to deter crime and and ensure public safety. Locations determined in consultation with NYPD.
- Jessie Isadore Straus School Infrastructure Improvements (P.S. 199, grades K-5, 270 W. 70th St.): 617 votes, $300,000 to upgrade & repair 2 existing student restrooms (replace fixtures, stalls, floor/wall tiling, ADA accessibility).
- Greening Broadway: Trees & Tree Guards on Broadway above 72nd Street: 592 Votes, $250,000 to install approximately 35 trees & tree guards on the sidewalks along Broadway. This would make the avenue a more attractive destination, is environmentally sound, & offers additional shade.
- Center School Technology Grant (M.S. 243, grades 5-8, 100 W. 84th St.): 578 votes, $117,000 to purchase 12 Promethean Boards & 30 laptops with 1 laptop cart to ensure each classroom has a smart board & laptops that are connected to the smart boards. This project will ensure that the school has technology deployed to the classrooms to support an enriched & interactive learning experience.
