City Council District 1 - The People's Budget

Residents in each participating City Council district can decide how to spend capital and/or discretionary expense funding.  

Capital funds allocated for participatory budgeting can be used for physical infrastructure projects that benefit the public, cost at least $50,000, and have a lifespan of at least 5 years. For example, projects such as local improvements to schools, parks, libraries, streetscapes, and other public spaces can be funded.

Expense funds allocated for participatory budgeting can be used for programmatic projects that benefit the public, cost at least $5,000, and can be fully funded within the current budget cycle. For example, operating costs for public classes, a feasibility study, equipment or furniture, and other programmatic costs can be funded through a one-time reimbursement to a non-profit with no expectation of renewal.

Initial idea suggestions are submitted by residents in the fall, ideas are vetted, refined, and matched to agencies or organizations by PB volunteers, and a ballot is created and voted on by residents of District 1.

Council Members then submit projects receiving the most votes to be allocated in the budget at adoption in June for the following fiscal year. The projects are then implemented by City agencies.