From Saturday, March 29 through Sunday, April 6, New Yorkers 11 years old and up can vote online and in person at poll sites in 25 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 March 29 through April 6. New Yorkers can vote online or in-person at voting sites in the 25 participating Council districts to decide how $25 million in capital funding will be spent in the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. New Yorkers will be able to consider projects focused on improving neighborhood schools, parks, libraries, and other public spaces.  

“As we kick off Participatory Budgeting Vote Week on March 29th, I encourage New Yorkers in participating districts to get out and vote for their favorite projects to improve their communities,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “As a proud, longtime supporter of Participatory Budgeting, I’m proud to have allocated nearly $5.5 million to fund dozens of projects in my own district, while also encouraging more residents to be civically engaged and involved in their community. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to and engaged in this process, and remember to vote online or in person from March 29 through April 6!”

Starting Saturday, March 29, 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 neighborhood institutions. Voting will remain open through Sunday, April 6. This year, 25 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 Participatory Budgeting 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 partnership with relevant city agencies and facilitated by participating Council Members’ offices.

2025 marks the 14th year that the New York City 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.

“This year, Participatory Budgeting in District 8 was truly driven by the young people of our community,” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “They didn’t just participate — they led. Our students came together to learn how city government works, how public dollars are allocated, and most importantly, how their voices can shape the future of their schools and neighborhoods. They drafted the ballot, debated priorities, and made thoughtful decisions about where these funds would have the greatest impact. It was inspiring to witness our youth engage in deep civic learning and transform ideas into real, viable projects. Through this process, they showed all of us the power of community, leadership, and vision.”

“Participatory Budgeting is one of the most direct ways we empower communities to shape how public dollars are spent,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “In District 18, we’ve used this process to invest over $2,790,000 in critical upgrades to schools, parks, and public infrastructure — projects that reflect the real priorities of our residents. What makes PB so powerful is that it invites everyone — young people, seniors, immigrants, and longtime residents — into the democratic process, regardless of voting eligibility in traditional elections. This year, I’m especially excited about the projects on our ballot and the strong engagement we’ve seen across the district. I encourage every eligible resident to make their voice heard during Vote Week — because when our communities lead, New York City thrives.”

 “Participatory budgeting is a powerful tool that allows our community to take an active role in shaping the future of our district,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “The projects we’re funding, ranging from school upgrades to public safety initiatives, are a direct reflection of what our neighbors have told us they need. This process ensures that every voice has a chance to be heard and every dollar is spent with the community’s best interests in mind. I encourage all District 7 residents to get involved, vote, and help us make our neighborhoods safer, more accessible, and better equipped for the future.” 

“I’m thrilled to kick off Voting Week,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “Participatory budgeting is a powerful tool that brings communities into the decision-making process and empowers New Yorkers to have a direct say in how our city invests in its future. I particularly like how this process fosters inclusivity, encourages collaboration, and builds a more equitable city. We’re ensuring that every voice is heard and that our investments reflect the true wants and needs of our diverse neighborhoods.” 

“Participatory Budgeting is democracy in its purest form,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. “It empowers New Yorkers to directly decide how public dollars are spent in their neighborhoods—on the projects they care about most. Every vote is a powerful reminder that our communities know what they need, and they deserve to have a real say in shaping their future.”

“Democracy in America is under attack, but here in Queens we believe in people power. No one knows how to address the challenges facing our community better than the community itself,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “That’s why my office devotes over $1 million to participatory budgeting every year. Our neighbors should be empowered to vote for how they want our taxpayer dollars to be spent. Our commitment to democracy demands it. I hope everyone who lives, works, or goes to school in District 22 will get involved in participatory budgeting. We keep us safe.” 

“We are excited to partner with our youngest constituents during Participatory Budgeting vote week as they learn how to engage the community civically to fund projects across our public schools,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. “From community gardens to art galleries, our students identified needs in their schools and are learning how to advocate for funding to address much needed repairs. We are proud of their work and are excited for Vote Week!”

“District 34 has embraced Participatory Budgeting from the very beginning, and every year our community shows up with creativity, passion, and a deep commitment to shaping our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “We’ve seen incredible engagement in past years, and I know this year will be no different. I am excited about the projects this year and can’t wait to see how the whole city votes!”

“In my decade-long involvement in Participatory Budgeting (PB)—first as a volunteer, then as the Participatory Budgeting Director in my predecessor’s office, and now as Council Member—I’ve seen firsthand how the initiative brings together people of all ages, languages, neighborhoods, and immigration status,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “I’m proud to represent District 39 in Brooklyn, where Participatory Budgeting began in New York City 14 years ago and continues to thrive as a powerful pathway to civic leadership. I’m deeply grateful to the District 39 PB Delegates and Steering Committee for their hard work in developing this year’s ballot. I look forward to connecting with many constituents across the district this week!”

“Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a vital opportunity to direct public funds toward the causes that directly benefit our neighborhood,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “This annual process amplifies our communities’ voices and strengthens our commitment to civic participation and direct democracy. I am excited for the start of PB vote week, and I look forward to seeing my community come together at the polls to advocate for the resources they need.”

“I’m excited to kick off another year of Participatory Budgeting. This is one of the best ways for our community to come together, share ideas, and directly decide how we invest in projects that matter most to us,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “It’s not just about voting it’s about giving everyone a voice in shaping the future of our district. Whether you’re passionate about improving our schools, upgrading our parks, Participatory Budgeting is a powerful opportunity to engage, collaborate, and make a lasting impact. I encourage everyone to get involved and help us build a stronger, more vibrant community.” 

“We’re proud to bring Participatory Budgeting back to District 25 for the third consecutive year, empowering residents to have a direct voice in public spending,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “This year we will focus on investments that improve schools across our district, especially important now more than ever as funding for Title I schools is under attack. I would like to extend a special token of appreciation to our budget delegates – we couldn’t reach the finish line without their invaluable contributions.” 

“I’m proud to once again bring District 45 into the citywide Participatory Budgeting process, giving residents the power to decide how public dollars are spent in our communities,” said Council Member Farah Louis. “This initiative puts decisions about our neighborhood’s future in the hands of the people who know it best. I look forward to seeing constituents cast their votes and make their voices heard.”

“We are proud to be a part of participatory budgeting again this year,” said Council Member Chris Marte. “It is a fantastic way to involve our District 1 community directly in civic engagement and to give them a voice in how city money gets spent. From SoHo to FiDi, Tribeca to Chinatown, the Lower East Side to Battery Park City – we have received so many great Participatory Budgeting proposals! This year, we have proposals on the ballot that range from school upgrades and technology improvements to playground repairs and tree care. We’re looking forward to Vote Week and hope to see you at a polling site in District 1!”

“In today’s complex political climate, local engagement is more important than ever – and by bringing people of all ages together in our community for Participatory Budgeting, we foster dialogue and civic responsibility that benefits future generations and strengthens the democratic process as a whole,” said Council Member Julie Menin. “Our past successes with Participatory Budgeting demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. I remain committed to ensuring our constituents continue to have a voice in the decisions that directly impact our district.”

“Ever since I took office, I’ve ensured that District 37’s voice was heard during Participatory Budgeting Vote Week, and I’m proud to be celebrating our third year! This year, 10 community projects are on the ballot,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “Centering tech equity, disability justice, the arts, and more. With $1 Million dollars going directly to fund these initiatives, I’m committed to making sure every constituent, especially our youth, can directly shape local priorities and look forward to more years of participation to come.”

“Participatory Budgeting is a powerful reminder that governing is something we do together,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “For yet another year, we are empowering our community to take an active role in shaping our neighborhoods through the PB process. This is more than just voting; it’s about civic engagement, collective decision-making, and ensuring that our budget reflects the real needs of the people. As we kick off this year’s Participatory Budgeting Vote Week, I encourage every eligible resident, from our young leaders at 11 years old to our lifelong community advocates, to make their voices heard. Let’s come together, vote, and invest in the future of District 12.” 

“Participatory budgeting empowers our community by giving an opportunity to individuals that live, work, or go to school in our district a direct say in how public funds are spent,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “This process strengthens civic engagement and builds community pride, and I’m proud to have brought this initiative to our district to help decide how to allocate $1 million in capital resources. Last year, thousands of individuals cast their votes, funding improvements for library technology, local public schools, and Evelyn’s Playground at Union Square.”

“For the 4th year in a row, residents from Northwest Bronx will directly determine how to spend $1 million in city tax-payer funds in our neighborhood,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “The essence of participatory budgeting is that the power lies with the people. 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.”

“Participatory Budgeting is an incredible opportunity for our community to have a direct say in how public funds are spent to improve our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “From parks and schools to street safety and community spaces, your vote helps decide which projects receive funding. I encourage everyone in District 29 to make their voices heard during Vote Week from March 29 to April 6—your ideas, your vote, your impact!” 

“Participatory Budgeting Vote Week is always a highlight of our year, and I’m excited to participate for the third time,” said Council Member Althea Stevens. “This initiative allows community members to directly influence how funding is allocated in our district. On this year’s ballot, for District 16, you’ll find proposals from all three community boards I represent, along with projects from vital agencies like the School Construction Authority, Department of Parks and Creation, and the New York Police Department. It is imperative that our community has a say in where resources are invested to improve our neighborhoods. I encourage everyone to get involved, make their voices heard, and cast their vote!”

“In our district, we don’t just talk about community power—we put it into action,” said Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “Participatory Budgeting is more than a process; it’s a chance for residents to directly shape the projects that will strengthen our schools, parks, and public spaces. This is how we ensure our neighborhoods reflect our needs, our voices, and our vision. I urge everyone to step up, get involved, and make your vote count. Let’s build the future we deserve—together.”    

“We’re excited to bring back Participatory Budgeting Vote Week for Cycle 14. This is a truly democratic opportunity open to anyone 11 and older, regardless of immigration status. Our ballot this year includes nine capital projects that seek to strengthen fire safety, mitigate the effects of heavy flooding, and improve schools for our students,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Vote Week brings transparency to the City’s budgeting process and allows our neighbors to decide how we as a community should spend $1 million. Our team and volunteers will be at voting sites throughout the district, where we look forward to helping you cast your votes!” 

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