What is Participatory Budgeting (PB)?

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is grassroots democracy in action. Participatory Budgeting was first implemented in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1989 by the socialist Workers’ Party. The political party sought to bring its decentralized and democratic party into government, and thus, PB was born. Rather than budget details being decided in secret behind closed doors, PB allows everyday people to engage with their government and decide how their public dollars are spent. In New York City, our city government sets aside a portion of the budget that individual Council Members can decide to use for PB. Every day people in those districts can submit ideas for projects they’d like to see, vote on their favorites, and ensure their priorities get funded by their public dollars. Cities worldwide (from Barcelona to Seoul) engage in this form of direct democracy and budget justice, where government and people work together to allocate resources to community needs. 

PB started in NYC right here in the 39th District as one of the first neighborhoods in the United States to engage in this form of direct democracy. Participatory Budgeting is also personal for Council Member Shahana Hanif, who led PB while working as the Director of Organizing and Community Engagement for the 39th. Council Member Hanif knows that PB is an important pathway to leadership for young people and communities historically excluded from governing. This year marks the 14th Cycle of Participatory Budgeting in District 39!

Timeline of PB Cycle 14:

How do I Submit an Idea for Participatory Budgeting? 

Submit an Idea Online

Submit your idea for a project before November 15th on our online ideas map. 

Click here for the Online Ideas Map!

Want to Get More Involved with PB?

Our office is looking for Volunteer Budget Delegates for PB Cycle 14! Delegates will help develop ideas and projects for the PB ballot. Sign up here to show your interest in becoming a PB Delegate.

The Impact of PB!

Here are some examples of past projects that PB helped get funded! 

1: Storytelling garden with micro-amphitheater at the Park Slope Library 

2: Self-Defense Classes for young Muslim women and allies 

3: New “Lake Mess Monster”, an aquatic weed harvester for Prospect Park!

Browse through our Official Participatory Budgeting Zine made by District 39 Youth Fellows to learn more about past winning projects!