What kinds of projects get funded in PB? How much money is set aside for them?

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There are two types of projects facilitated in Participatory Budgeting: Capital and Expense. Capital funds go to infrastructure projects. These are projects with long-term solutions to district issues, such as improving public school bathrooms or playground renovations. Expense projects, by contrast, are programmatic. An example of an expense project would be purchasing snacks for an after school club or renting space for a community meeting.  

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What are the stages of the PB process?

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From August to October, we collect ideas and recruit delegates. This means we identify community needs and find people to represent different committees. After narrowing down potential project ideas, we hold delegate meetings across the district from October through February to develop project proposals. Committees come up with project budgets and descriptions that can go on the ballot. In late March or early April is the project Expo, "the middle school science fair of PB." Vote Week occurs April 7th-15th, determining the winning projects to be implemented in the next few years. The following fall, the PB cycle starts anew.  

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Who can vote in PB and when is PBNYC vote week?

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To vote in PB, you must have an address in a participating district and be 11 years or older. You do not need to be a citizen or a federally registered voter. Ballots are available both in print and online in multiple languages. Vote Week takes place April 7th-15th, You can information about poll sites, as well as online voting, closer to date here: council.nyc.gov/pb/vote/. 

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Where can I find more information about PBNYC?

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City Council: council.nyc.gov/pb
​Brad Lander's Website: bradlander.nyc/pb
Participatory Budgeting Process: www.participatorybudgeting.org