Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. PB gives people real power to make real decisions over real money. The process was first developed in Brazil in 1989. There are now over 1,500 participatory budgeting processes around the world, most of them at the municipal level. PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING IN GRAND R
APIDS
PBGR allows Grand Rapids residents to propose and vote on projects in their city Ward. Projects that receive the most votes in each Ward will be funded through ARP funds that have been allocated in the 2021 City budget. As ARPA funding is not recurring, it is our goal to develop a process that successfully engages all our neighbors and provides direct impact to our neighborhoods. If so, we hope the PB process will receive future annual funds in the City Budget. In 2021, PB funds can be used for projects that benefit the public and fall into the following categories eligible for funding per ARPA:
- Infrastructure investments related to water, wastewater and broadband
- Evidence-based violence reduction strategies
- Remediation of lead paint or other lead hazards in homes
- Economic and health impacts of COVID-19 (includes assistance to households, small business and nonprofits)
- Incentive pay to front-line workers
- Investments in housing and re-housing
- Addressing educational disparities
- Investing in healthy childhood environments
These projects should cost at least $50,000. Projects will be evaluated for eligibility by the Ward representatives in the Steering Committee, and then will be voted on by your neighbors. Projects selected in each Ward will be implemented through the City procurement process, overseen by local neighborhood organizations. OUR GOALS
Through participatory budgeting, we will empower the people of Grand Rapids to make timely, informed decisions that lead to visible and lasting improvements within their neighborhoods. OUR PRINCIPLES: HOW WE WORK
Our work will be guided by the value of equity, with an intentional, transparent process designed to include marginalized voices, people with lived experience, and diverse groups. This process will be structured to remove barriers and build community capacity.
