Freehold Borough Participatory Budget Committee

04/03/2026

As we prepare to kick-off another year of Freehold Borough’s Participatory Budgeting process, we remain committed to empowering residents to shape their community by turning their ideas into impactful, community-driven projects.

While the timing for each project can vary based on complexity, a typical timeline for a PB project looks like this:

Year 1
Step 1: Project Submissions (Mid-April to Mid-July)
Step 2: Submission Vetting (Mid-July to Early September)
Step 3: Qualified Projects Announced (Mid-September)
Step 4: Community Voting (Mid-September to Mid-October)
Step 5: Winners Announced (Late October)

Year 2
Step 6: Budget Integration (December to April)
Step 7: Budget Approval (May)
Step 8: Implementation Planning / Materials Ordered (June to October)

Year 3
Step 9: Groundbreaking (April-June)

Yes—the process takes time. But this timeline helps protect taxpayer dollars, ensures transparency, and sets projects up to last for years—not just seasons.

10/01/2025

This year, art takes center stage in the Participatory Budget! Voting is now open, and everyone is invited to help decide which creative projects will get funded and add beauty, inspiration, and unity to the community.

Why Vote for Art?
Art connects people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing neighborhoods together through murals, performances, public sculptures, and more.

Voting in this year’s Participatory Budget means supporting local artists, uplifting diverse voices, and helping transform public spaces with imaginative ideas from fellow residents.

How Do I Get Involved?
Anyone 14 and older can participate by voting for their favorite art-themed proposals. These projects were dreamed up by the community and will turn shared spaces into vibrant places for everyone to enjoy.

Join the Celebration!
Every vote is a step toward a more creative, inclusive, and colorful neighborhood. Be part of the decision—come out and vote in this year’s Participatory Budget and help make art a lasting part of local life.

09/26/2025

Voting is now OPEN - make your voices heard Boro!

07/18/2025

https://youtu.be/lQPm9TX9odM?si=-u04sW63M2vw-Nwu

Artists, dreamers, and big thinkers — this one’s for you!

Have an inspired idea to brighten up Freehold Borough with creativity and community spirit? We’re seeking capital improvement proposals (up to $200K) that bring color, culture, and connection through ART to our public spaces.

Now’s your chance to shape the borough through the power of art. Let your imagination lead the way — submit your idea today!

To submit your 2025 art themed ideas or click on the hyperlink in the comments below or go to www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/boards/participatory-budgeting-committee

07/10/2025

Imagine this…

A Revolutionary War-era patriot and his wife, in period dress, frozen mid-stroll on our brick sidewalks across the street from our historic Old Monmouth Courthouse—a tribute to Freehold’s revolutionary past.

Or maybe a statue of Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, or Langston Hughes sitting on a bench outside our town’s Carnegie Library—a quiet nod to the power of words and the timeless value of public libraries.

This is exactly the kind of art-themed idea you can submit to this year’s Participatory Budget Program—but don’t wait. The deadline is July 31!

Whether it’s sculpture, murals, or public installations, if it captures Freehold’s character and brings people together, we want to see it.

You dream it.
The community votes.
And if selected, the Borough brings it to life.

Deadline to submit your idea: July 31
Let’s turn inspiration into impact.

👉 freeholdboroughnj.gov/boards/participatory-budgeting-committee

07/07/2025

You know your town is awesome when even your street signs start saluting veterans 🇺🇸

Fun fact: the Borough of Freehold’s new Veterans Recognition Sign Program didn’t start in a top-secret government bunker…it started with a simple idea through our Participatory Budget Program!

That’s right—one resident said, “Let’s honor our veterans,” and we said, “Sign us up!” 🪧😎

Now the Boro is turning ideas into action and poles into patriotism—one sign topper at a time. Because in Freehold, we don’t just give directions—we give respect. 👏

06/18/2025

📢 Have questions about submitting your ideas for the Participatory Budget? Members of the Participatory Budgeting Committee will be on hand tonight from 6:30–7:30pm at our town’s historic Carnegie Library to help you complete your submission. Stop by and be part of shaping our community’s future! 📝🏛️

06/05/2025

🚲 Big news for Freehold Borough! 🚲

We’re thrilled to see new biking infrastructure improvements rolling out across town — making it safer, easier, and more enjoyable to get around on two wheels. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just out for a ride, these upgrades are for YOU.

Here’s to a more connected, bike-friendly Boro! 💙

06/05/2025

https://youtu.be/NSRJ1PIyRRs?si=ItkU01GsV6jDNoP_

Artists, dreamers, and big thinkers — this one’s for you!
The 2025 Participatory Budget submission period is officially OPEN, and this year’s theme is ART!

Have an inspired idea to brighten up Freehold Borough with creativity and community spirit? We’re seeking capital improvement proposals (under $200K) that bring color, culture, and connection to our public spaces.

Now’s your chance to shape the borough through the power of art. Let your imagination lead the way — submit your idea today:
👉 freeholdboroughnj.gov/boards/participatory-budgeting-committee

05/22/2025

https://youtu.be/sVfcdmS4uGU?si=eibGIljkj5ubag3O

🎨 Artists, dreamers, and big thinkers — this one’s for you!

The 2025 Participatory Budget submission theme is ART!

Have an inspired idea to brighten up Freehold Borough with creativity and community spirit? We’re seeking capital improvement proposals (under $200K) that bring color, culture, and connection to our public spaces.

Now’s your chance to shape the borough through the power of art. Let your imagination lead the way — submit your idea today:
👉 freeholdboroughnj.gov/boards/participatory-budgeting-committee

To submit your 2025 art themed ideas or click on the hyperlink in the comments below or go to www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/boards/participatory-budgeting-committee

05/15/2025

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe3bzJiwcxIsRh8AXvg4RWpzgzyWUOpow&si=1kuLWDTyNytum_

Calling all creatives! The 2025 Participatory Budget submission period is now OPEN — and this year’s theme is ART!

Have a bold, brilliant idea to bring more creativity to Freehold Borough? We’re looking for capital improvement project proposals (under $200K) that add color, culture, and community spirit to Borough property.

Let your imagination lead the way — submit your idea today:
freeholdboroughnj.gov/boards/participatory-budgeting-committee

2025 Participatory Budget Committee Video