The People's Money (2024-2025)

The People's Money is New York City's annual citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative where community members decide how to spend part of the city's budget. This process is open to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. 

How does The People's Money work?

The People’s Money consists of four phases and takes two years to complete. The first three phases run in one year, and the last phase, project implementation, runs in the second year. 

The first three phases include (1) Idea Generation, (2) Borough Assemblies (3) Citywide Voting. In the fourth phase, (4) Project Implementation, community organizations take a full year to implement the projects.

Phase 1: Idea Generation

Idea Generation offers workshops, where residents can learn how the city spends its money, discuss important needs within their community, and come up with ideas to address those needs. Residents can also submit ideas online. These workshops use activities and open discussions to help people share their thoughts and work together

Phase 2: Borough Assemblies

Residents of New York City are randomly chosen to serve on Assemblies for their respective boroughs (like Manhattan, Brooklyn, etc.). These Assemblies are selected to be representative of the diversity of each borough. Assembly Members meet for six sessions to discuss the ideas submitted, and decide which Ideas address needs in the borough. They then identify the final ideas to be voted on by the public. Apply here to be a future Assembly Member!

Phase 3: Citywide Voting

Once ballots are finalized, all New Yorkers ages 11 and older are invited to vote and decide which ideas they would like to see implemented in their borough.

Phase 4: Implemented Projects

Community-based organizations further develop the ideas into project proposals and apply to implement through a competitive process. When selected, the Civic Engagement Commission works with the organizations to ensure the projects are successfully completed.