The 2014-2015 Participatory Budgeting (PB) cycle kickoffs in District 45 today, with a volunteer recruitment meeting from 6:30-8:00 PM in the office of Council Member Jumaane Williams, at 4517 Avenue D. This meeting is open to all constituents, and will outline how to get involved in the PB process.
PB lets the whole community participate in decision-making. It’s a yearlong process of public meetings to ensure people have the time and resources to make wise decisions. Community members discuss local needs and develop proposals to meet these needs. Through a public vote, residents then decide which proposals to fund. For more information on Participatory Budgeting, click here.
District 45 PB volunteers are needed to:
- Coordinate meeting space, food, childcare, interpretation, etc. during meetings
- Plan/ distribute outreach within the district
- Help with additional citywide PB responsibilities
“I am excited that the people of District 45 have continued to show their support for participatory budgeting, and look forward to a fourth successful year,” said Council Member Williams. “PB has been an empowering form of open democracy which has not only gained momentum within our own neighborhood, but has continued to expand citywide. For the past three years, PB has served as a great tool to build up school infrastructures and fund capital projects District 45 constituents find most important. As we enter our fourth year, I look forward to seeing more people getting involved so that these projects continue to improve our community, for example, with sanitation efforts, in very real ways.”
Also note the first District 45 Neighborhood Assembly will take place Oct. 27, 6:00-8:00 PM in Clarendon Road Church, 3304 Clarendon Rd. This public meeting led by PB volunteers will give community members an opportunity to learn about PB, discuss community needs, and brainstorm project ideas to nominate.
A second District 45 Neighborhood Assembly is scheduled for Nov. 12, 6:30-8:00 p.m in Glenwood Houses Community Center, 5816 Farragut Rd., and will give volunteer budget delegates an opportunity to learn about the budget process, project development, and key spending areas. Committees will also be formed to further develop the District 45 PB cycle.
For more information, contact District 45 PB Fellow Naiya Stewart, 718-629-2900.