Feb 16, 2016 2 min read Nonsponsored

BP Adams Allocates Additional $100K For The 38th Council District’s Participatory Budgeting Pot

Image via Councilmember Carlos Menchaca's office. — Image via Councilmember Carlos Menchaca’s office.

Good news for participatory budgeting (PBNYC) fans: an extra $100,000 is coming our way for Fiscal Year 2017, thanks to a pledge by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

The money is actually one-tenth of Adams’ total pledge of $1 million for all 10 council districts whose councilmembers are participating in PBNYC this year. Fortunately for us, Councilmember Carlos Menchaca and the 38th Council District are participating for another year. Previous years have funded repairs and lighting in local schools, as well as park upgrades and other community projects.

The additional funds means two main things:

that in total, the 38th CD has over $2 million in money for projects throughout Sunset Park and Red Hook, and
that Brooklyn Borough Hall will now be a universal voting site for all eligible PBNYC voters.

Voting at Borough Hall will be open from Monday, March 28 through Friday, April 1 from 9am-5pm.

Voting at other locations will be open longer — from Saturday, March 26 until Sunday, April 3. All residents 16 years of age or older with proof of residency in a participating council district in Brooklyn will be eligible to vote at this location.

Adams described his decision as an easy one that will “bolster the voices of Brooklynites and help amplify their power to shape their tax dollars are spent in our borough.”

Menchaca cheered Adams for being “the only borough president to say ‘Si Se Puede’ to a more participatory democracy” and described Brooklyn as “never shy in being a trailblazer.

“Through participatory budgeting, everyday New Yorkers have the opportunity to become directly involved in the governing of our city and, ultimately, take ownership of brilliant community-driven project ideas,” Menchaca added. “This process allows people of all ages to learn how government works while it also encourages government officials to create real partnerships with residents on specific projects.”

Other districts to benefit include those served by CMs Robert Cornegy, Jr., Laurie Cumbo, Mathieu Eugene, David Greenfield, Brad Lander, Stephen Levin, Antonio Reynoso, Mark Treyger, and Jumaane D. Williams.