From Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, April 14, New Yorkers 11 years old and up can vote online and in person at poll sites in 24 participating Council districts

City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams and the New York City Council encouraged New Yorkers to make their voices heard during Participatory Budgeting Vote Week from April 6 through April 14. New Yorkers can vote online or in-person at voting sites in the 24 participating Council districts to decide how $24 million in capital funding will be spent in the Fiscal Year 2025 city budget. Participatory Budgeting projects focus on improving neighborhood schools, parks, libraries, and other public spaces.  

“Since October, New Yorkers across the city have created and refined proposals to improve their communities,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “As Participatory Budgeting Vote Week begins, residents ages 11 and older in participating districts will now be able to vote for their favorite projects to be funded in the upcoming city budget. I thank every New Yorker who has contributed throughout this Participatory Budgeting cycle, and I encourage all eligible residents to get out and vote online or in person from April 6 to April 14!”

Starting Saturday, April 6, New Yorkers who live in or have a special connection (i.e. attending school, work, etc.) to a participating Council district can vote online or in-person on Participatory Budgeting proposals to fund neighborhoods institutions. Voting will remain open through Sunday, April 14. This year, 24 districts across Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn are participating.

The following list includes participating City Council Districts:

New Yorkers can call or contact their Council Member’s office or check their social media pages to confirm the exact hours, locations, and times of neighborhood Participatory Budgeting poll sites. Council Member’s District Offices will also be used as voting sites during the week.

The spending proposals on this year’s ballots were created by New Yorkers who attended neighborhood assemblies and budget delegate meetings throughout the fall and winter. All projects are capital budget proposals, which are significant neighborhood infrastructure investments. They were crafted and refined in conversation with relevant city agencies and facilitated by participating Council Members’ offices.

Last year, proposals funded by the City Council’s Participatory Budgeting initiative included:

• Upgrading library technology in Manhattan ($235,000)
• A gymnasium upgrade for MS 390 in the Bronx ($750,000)
• Tree planting and sidewalk improvements in Queens ($352,000)
• Establishing a Family Resource Center at PS 124 in Brooklyn ($500,000)

2024 is the 13^th year that the Council has hosted Participatory Budgeting since the initiative began in 2011. To read more about the Council’s Participatory Budget initiative and past results, visit council.nyc.gov/PB.

“Participatory budgeting is democracy in practice,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “When people have a voice in civic affairs — and a hand in allocating public funds — we see the positive change in our neighborhoods. This year’s ballot is chock-full of innovative proposals, and I look forward to funding important projects that the people want to see in Upper Manhattan. Our community is at its strongest when we come together to focus on the issues that matter.”

“Government should be inclusive, collaborative and accessible, and that’s what PB is all about,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. “Every year, our constituents get to participate in the government process and vote on capital projects for their community. PB is a volunteer driven process, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible delegates who commit their time and ideas. I can’t wait to see the great projects that win this year!”

“Participatory Budgeting is a way to involve more members of the community in the decision making that improves our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “Ideas that come from the grass roots can be among the most innovative and effective in affecting our quality of life. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes up this year!”

“No one knows how to address the challenges facing our community better than the community itself,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “That’s why every year, my office devotes over $1 Million to participatory budgeting. Our commitment to democracy calls us to find as many ways as possible of empowering those affected by governmental decisions to have an equal say in those decisions. I’d enthusiastically encourage everyone who can to get involved in participatory budgeting. We keep us safe. We keep us healthy. We keep us strong.”

“Students across District 10’s public schools have enthusiastically engaged in the participatory budgeting process, actively practicing their civic engagement skills,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. “Given the constant threats of cuts and the aging infrastructure of our school buildings, this year’s process was dedicated to investing in education. Participatory budgeting is a unique part of the co-governance process, allowing some of our youngest constituents opportunities to learn about how our city runs, making budgetary decisions, and casting ballots. We are looking forward to Vote Week — we have exciting capital project proposals that could provide much-needed renovations to our public-school buildings that will improve the learning experiences for our students.”

“I’m excited to launch Participatory Budgeting Vote Week in Council District 18! Over the past two years, our office has initiated a transformative process, securing funding for essential infrastructure projects in our schools and parks that had been neglected for far too long,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “With Participatory Budgeting, the City Council has empowered our communities to actively shape our city’s budget and future. Community participation is the cornerstone of good governance, and now more than ever, it’s vital for every voice in our community to be heard. Let’s ensure our neighborhoods thrive by voting for the projects that matter most to you. Together, let’s forge a stronger, more inclusive city.”

“As a council member involved in this process for a decade, I’m thrilled to see how widespread it has become and I am genuinely excited about this year’s diverse project proposals,” said Council Member Jeniffer Gutierrez. “The variety and ingenuity of projects we’re seeing reflect the evolving needs and creativity of our community. Participatory budgeting continues to be a vital tool for community-driven decision-making, and I am excited for Vote Week to get started!”

“Participatory Budget Vote Week is my favorite time of the year! PB is essential to get everyday New Yorkers involved and engaged in their local community, policy making, and understand our city’s budget,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “PB is real power with real money and the votes reflect the priorities of our communities. It is a more inclusive version of democracy, where everyone over the age of 11 and regardless of citizenship status, meaning youth to new immigrant communities, have a say in how to transform and build our city. My path to public service began with volunteering as a PB delegate in the Arts and Culture Committee in District 39. I worked with my neighbors to develop a young women’s self-defense workshop series which won that cycle! If you are voting, submit an idea next year. If you are volunteering, think about joining your local community board. See you at a PB polling site in District 39.”

“The Participatory budgeting process is an opportunity for our communities to make their voices heard and ensure that public funds are allocated where our neighbors choose,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “It’s a special process that strengthens civic participation and bolsters our democratic principles. I’m excited for the start of vote week tomorrow and can’t wait to see my community turn out to ensure our neighborhoods have all the resources they need.”

“As a council member representing the vibrant 40th Council District, I believe that Participatory Budgeting (PB) is not just a process; it’s a testament to the power of democracy in action,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “By empowering community members to directly decide how to allocate part of the public budget, PB fosters inclusivity, transparency, and civic engagement. Together, through Participatory Budgeting, we can build a city that truly reflects the values and priorities of its people.”

“We’re proud to reintroduce Participatory Budgeting to District 25, empowering residents to have a direct voice in public spending,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “From enhancing our schools to supporting the cherished Elmhurst Hospital and expanding our tree canopy, we’re excited to see the community’s investment priorities this year. A heartfelt appreciation goes out to our budget delegates – we couldn’t reach the finish line without their invaluable contributions.”

“I am proud to continue engaging District 45 in the annual citywide Participatory Budgeting initiative, keeping the power in the hands of constituents to shape and decide on capital projects that would improve the district,” said Council Member Farah Louis. “Ballot items this year prioritize vital investments in education, providing new and upgraded educational opportunities for our youth at schools across the district, and environmental conservation to protect our trees and sidewalks. When we are civically engaged, amplifying our diverse yet still collective voice, we can ensure that the concerns of every resident are heard and addressed in order to build a brighter future for generations to come.”

“Participatory Budgeting is a powerful fixture of civic engagement and an important avenue towards teaching the city’s youth about representative democracy,” said Council Member Julie Menin. “This initiative is just one example of the power that constituents have to make an immediate and lasting difference in their communities. I am grateful for the success that we have had in past years and look forward to using city dollars to ensure that our constituents have a direct role in the budgetary process.”

“We are excited for our second year of Participatory Budgeting and giving our community another chance to decide how to spend $1 million in capital investments,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “This year, we are thrilled to have 11 projects on the ballot for District 37 and we anticipate things getting competitive during Vote Week! We look forward to more years of collaborative decision-making and community advocacy addressing issues that matter to our constituents. Participatory Budgeting amplifies our community’s voice, ensuring that every constituent, including our youth, has a direct role in shaping their local priorities.”

“Bringing Participatory Budgeting into our community for the third consecutive year has been a source of immense pride,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “Participatory Budgeting is more than just a process; it’s an invaluable tool that allows us to identify budget priorities at the grassroots level. As we kick off Cycle 13 of Participatory Budgeting Vote Week, I’m energized by the opportunity it presents for our constituents, including our youngest members at just 11 years old, to actively engage in shaping our community’s future. Together, let’s harness the power of PB to make impactful decisions for our neighborhoods.”

“Participatory budgeting gives New Yorkers a say in how we invest in our communities,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “This year, District 33 prioritized investing in our highest need schools. We hosted school community assemblies to identify projects that would further educational equity in our neighborhoods.”

“Participatory budgeting is an exciting way to increase local civic engagement, and my office is proud to work with community members to decide how to spend $1 million on capital projects,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “Last year thousands of our District 2 neighbors cast a ballot and selected projects to improve library technology, community gardens, and local public schools. Participatory budgeting funding helps enhance quality of life and community pride.”

“For the third year in a row, residents from West Bronx will directly determine how to spend $1 million in city taxpayer funds in our neighborhood,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “Each proposed project came from and was supported by our local organizers, from parent leaders to student volunteers. The essence of participatory budgeting is that power lies with the people, and I am excited for the votes to be cast. Thank you, Speaker Adams, for leading the participatory budget process and bringing the public into the decision-making process for the allocation of city funds.”

“Participatory budgeting is a remarkable tool for empowering members of our district, especially young students, to engage in civic participation,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “It’s always inspiring to see the district come together in shaping the future of our community, one vote at a time. I am looking forward to see what projects my constituents choose. Their decisions will directly impact the neighborhoods of the 29th Council District

“As we kick off Participatory Budgeting Week, I am excited as it is always an amazing opportunity for everyone to see how powerful partnership is between local government and community members,” said Council Member Althea Stevens. “This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of partnership and the collective vision for a brighter future. In District 16, we have prioritized projects aimed at enhancing spaces for our youth, schools, education, and culture and community facilities. Participatory budgeting is not just about allocating funds; it’s about empowering our community to shape its own destiny. I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote and ensure their voices are heard in determining the investments that will shape the future of our community.”

“I believe that self-governing through participatory budgeting is paramount,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. “It’s about empowering our communities to take charge of their destinies, to have a direct say in how resources are allocated, and to shape the policies that affect their lives. By actively engaging in this process, we not only strengthen the fabric of our democracy but also foster a sense of ownership and accountability in our neighborhoods.”

“We can’t wait to see voters at our schools, local parks, and other Participatory Budgeting voting locations from April 6-14 to help us decide how to spend $1 million to improve our community,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Our PB ballot has eight capital projects for District 26, from tree planting across our neighborhoods to school infrastructure improvements for our scholars. Thousands of our neighbors cast their votes last year, and we’re excited to repeat the process for a second year. See what’s on our ballot at http://council.nyc.gov/julie-won/pb-cycle-13/ and visit http://vote.pbnyc.org to vote online.”

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