Participatory Budgeting Vote Week: Make Your Voice Count This March

Two women stand next to a Pier 51 playground project poster during Participatory Budgeting Vote Week.

Participate in Democracy: A Week to Shape Our Community

From March 29 to April 6, 2025, New York City is offering residents an extraordinary opportunity to engage directly in their local governance through Participatory Budgeting (PB). Residents aged 11 and older can vote for funding projects that will greatly impact schools, parks, libraries, and other community assets.

Why Your Vote Matters

NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher emphasizes the significance of this event, calling it 'democracy in its purest form.' With each vote, residents can reflect their community’s unique needs and priorities in public spending. This initiative empowers citizens to influence decision-making processes directly and ensures that their voices are represented.

What’s on the Ballot?

The District 3 PB ballot features various projects across three main categories: Arts, Education, and Parks & Recreation. For instance, residents can support upgrades to library technology, playground renovations, and restroom improvements in schools. Each voter can cast up to three votes, making the process both engaging and impactful.

How to Vote

Voting can be done online for convenience. However, in-person voting opportunities are spread across various locations, ensuring accessibility to all community members. Notably, events at locations like Abingdon Square and Manhattan Plaza provide a platform for additional experiences, including community composting programs.

Looking Ahead: The Value of Local Engagement

Participatory Budgeting has the potential to reshape communities and directly reflect the desires of their residents. Engaging in voting is not just about influencing immediate projects; it sets a precedent for continuous civic involvement and responsive governance.

Opportunities

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

Join the 2025 Tree Census: Volunteers Needed for NYC's Urban Forest

Update Local Volunteers Needed for Tree Census – A Unique Opportunity for NYC Residents The countdown is on for New York City’s much-anticipated 2025 tree census, an initiative that's been part of the city’s environmental fabric since 1995. As part of its ongoing tradition, the NYC Parks Department calls upon local volunteers to engage in a hands-on project that not only tracks the city’s tree population but also fosters community involvement and environmental stewardship. What’s at Stake? The Benefits of Trees and Community Engagement Trees are not just a backyard aesthetic; they are vital to urban environments. As the NYC Parks Department highlights, trees play an essential role in carbon capture, boosting air quality, and managing stormwater. With a staggering $151.2 million in annual benefits attributed to these green giants, the tree census is key in identifying areas that desperately need tree planting and care. How Volunteers Can Make a Difference Volunteers will leverage the user-friendly mobile app, ArcGIS Field Map, to document their findings, including tree size, health, and location. Each training session will arm participants with knowledge about identifying various tree species, recognizing their health conditions, and gathering critical data like trunk circumference. It’s more than just counting trees—volunteers will become informed advocates for their green environments. Embrace the Adventure with a Sense of Urgency Choosing to volunteer for the 2025 tree census is an invitation to shape New York City’s ecological future. As Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa puts it, this initiative presents New Yorkers with “an incredible opportunity... to help shape its future.” Every hour contributed counts toward creating healthier, more sustainable communities. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to be a part of something meaningful. For those who are passionate about our environment, this decennial event is not just a call for action; it’s a call to create lasting impact.

West Side Job Training Initiative Aims to Triple Local Employment Opportunities

Update Ambition to Bridge the Gap in West Side EmploymentIn the cosmopolitan districts of Chelsea and Greenwich Village, stark economic discrepancies lurk beneath the surface of opulence. Despite the relative affluence of the area, many local residents face significant employment challenges. Executive director of Hudson Guild, Ken Jockers, and City Council Member Erik Bottcher are spearheading a transformative job training initiative aimed at tripling the number of locals securing employment in the coming years.Leveraging Community Resources for Greater ImpactRecognizing the ongoing need for employment support, Jockers reports that a steady stream of individuals from low-income housing developments, such as the Elliott and Chelsea Houses, seek assistance at Hudson Guild. “There are many people who are actively looking for work,” Jockers states, indicating a consistent demand for employment resources despite the booming local economy.Partnerships: The Key to Local Job PlacementTo tackle the disparity in employment opportunities, Jockers and Bottcher have teamed up with Greenwich House and the New York City Employment and Training Coalition. Their goal is to forge connections between big corporations like Google and Amazon and local job seekers, particularly those disadvantaged by public housing status. Bottcher emphasizes that while economic development flourishes in the West Side, its benefits have not trickled down to all community members.Looking Ahead: A Hopeful Vision for Local EmploymentThe West Side job training program represents not only a hopeful future for its participants but a critical step in addressing the inequalities that pervade the area. As organizers aim to increase participation significantly in a short time frame, their initiative highlights the need for a collective effort in overcoming the challenges posed by income disparity in one of the world's wealthiest urban landscapes.

How NYC's Operation Padlock is Opening Doors to Opportunity

Update The Fight Against Illegal Cannabis Shops in NYC In recent years, the emergence of illegal cannabis shops in New York City has drawn significant criticism from residents and leaders alike. The rise of these shops, which often prey on vulnerable populations, prompted Mayor Eric Adams to advocate for stricter control measures. His administration took action by launching "Operation Padlock to Protect," which aims to dismantle these illegal businesses and restore safety and order to local communities. Turning the Tide: Successes of Operation Padlock Since its inception in May 2024, Operation Padlock has proven effective, successfully closing nearly 1,400 illegal cannabis shops and removing $95 million worth of harmful products from circulation. This initiative is not only about law enforcement; it's about revitalizing local business and ensuring that legitimate enterprises can thrive. The unsealing of padlocked storefronts presents a new opportunity for legal businesses, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of local commerce. The Positive Impact on Legal Cannabis Businesses Amidst the crackdown on illegal shops, the support for legal cannabis businesses continues to grow. The city's Cannabis NYC Loan Fund has distributed substantial funds to help budding entrepreneurs navigate this new and promising market. With over 160 legal dispensaries operating successfully, the boom in legal cannabis sales—which surpassed $350 million last year—paints a hopeful future for New York City’s economic recovery. A Vision for a Safer and More Prosperous New York City The administration remains dedicated to making New York City a safer, more affordable place to live. By closing illegal businesses, decreasing crime rates, and fostering small businesses, the mayor’s vision aligns with the needs of families looking for stability and growth. Success stories, such as that of Salsa Pizza Napoletana, illustrate how these changes can uplift communities and foster economic resilience. Conclusion: Supporting Local Businesses is Key As Operation Padlock continues to make headway, it's essential for residents to support their local businesses. Engaging with and investing in these enterprises not only strengthens the economy but also reaffirms community resilience and integrity.

Participatory Budgeting Vote Week: Make Your Voice Count This March

Participate in Democracy: A Week to Shape Our Community

Why Your Vote Matters

What’s on the Ballot?

How to Vote

Looking Ahead: The Value of Local Engagement

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title