Help

What is The People's Money?

The People’s Money (TPM) is a citywide participatory budgeting (PB) process where New Yorkers decide how to spend part of the city’s budget to help their communities thrive. This process happens every year and is open to all New Yorkers, including youth and immigrants.

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.

First year:

  • Idea Generation - Share your ideas!

  • Borough Assemblies - Join an assembly and shape the ballot!

  • Voting - Vote on what matters most to you!

Second year:

  • Project Implementation - Where ideas come to life!

For more details, visit the How The People’s Money Works page.

Process phases

From October through November, New Yorkers will attend Idea Generation Workshops to discuss and develop ideas that address community needs. Residents will also be able to propose ideas online directly through this platform.

From January through February, Borough Assemblies — made up of randomly selected New Yorkers — will convene to discuss and select the final ideas to be placed on the five borough ballots.

Between May and June, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote on how to spend part of the city budget to address community needs. All New Yorkers ages 11 and up will be able to vote online or in person, in multiple languages, and at sites across the five boroughs.

After the voting phase, when community members select the winning ideas, local organizations will apply to bring them to life. Over the following year, they will partner with the Commission’s team to receive support, track progress, and ensure the projects are successfully completed.

The People's Money - 5th Cycle

2026 - 2028

Submit an idea!

Start date / End date

Oct 14 2026 / Dec 31 2028

Current phase

About this process

What is happening in the 5th Cycle of The People's Money?

We want to hear from you! The Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) is currently accepting ideas for community-driven projects that can make a difference in your neighborhood. All New Yorkers are welcome to submit an idea online or attend an Idea Generation Workshop from one of our partners through November 18, 2026. Let us know what you want to see in your community.

Funding Amount: $4 million from New York City's Expense Budget

What is The People’s Money?

The People’s Money (TPM) is a citywide participatory budgeting (PB) process where New Yorkers decide how to spend part of the city’s budget to help their communities thrive. This process happens every year and is open to all New Yorkers, including youth and immigrants.

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.

First year:

  • Idea Generation - Share your ideas!

  • Borough Assemblies - Join an assembly and shape the ballot!

  • Voting - Vote on what matters most to you!

Second year:

  • Project Implementation - Where ideas come to life!

For more details, visit the How The People’s Money Works page.

What is decided

$4 million from New York City's Expense Budget

Who participates

All New Yorkers, including youth and immigrants.

Promoter group

Civic Engagement Commission

Related processes

4

The People's Money - 4th Cycle

about 1 year remaining
4.0 Project Implementation

The People's Money - 3rd Cycle

17 days remaining
4.0 Project Implementation

The People's Money - 2nd Cycle

Finished: 10/31/2025
Complete

The People's Money - 1st Cycle

Finished: 06/30/2024
Complete

Reference: nyc-PART-2026-10-15