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!

PB CYCLE 14 WINNING PROJECTS

This year, District 39 made Participatory Budgeting history with our highest voter turnout ever:

8,374 total votes — including 4,282 digital ballots (more than any other Council District in the city!) and 4,092 paper ballots.

Capital Projects

1. PS 282 Bathroom Renovations –  $450,000 (4,004 votes)
2. Prospect Park Historic Willink Restroom Restoration – $500,000 (3,690 votes)
3. John Jay Library Revamp into Media Hub – $450,000 (3,639 votes)

Expense Projects

1. Free Summer Arts for Low-Income Kindergartners – $10,000 (3,466 votes)
2. Youth Voice For Justice: Training Students in Conflict Resolution – $20,000 (2,588 votes)
3. Launch Women-Owned Businesses in Kensington – $12,000 (2,540 votes)

Have questions or want to help shape next year’s PB cycle? Reach out to Hannah, our Organizing Director, who leads the Participatory Budgeting program, at HHenderson-Charnow@council.nyc.gov.