Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a three-step democratic process that allows residents to decide how to spend a portion of the Ward's infrastructure budget. In the 39th Ward, $500,000 of the infrastructure budget is allocated to this process each year.
PB Process
Idea Collection
Residents submit project ideas to the PB Platform.
Proposal Development
Community Representatives across the ward develop proposals and create a ballot.
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Voting
39th Ward residents vote on their favorite projects up to $500,000! The winning proposals are funded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of projects can I submit?
Any infrastructure related capital project within the ward boundaries. Submitted projects will be divided between three categories: Parks and Recreation, Safety and Environment, and Community and Culture.
How do I join the committee?
Any ward resident or ward business owner is invited to join the committee. Committee members develop and review proposals, and decide which projects are on the ballot. Contact our office at 773.736.5594, or ward39@cityofchicago.org to be added!
Where does the money come from?
The participatory budget is a portion of Alderman Nugent's yearly infrastructure budget of $1.5 million. While our office bases the entire allocation of the infrastructure budget on resident input, Alderman Nugent allocates $500,000 of this budget to a democratic vote through Participatory Budgeting.
What projects have won in the past?
Past projects have included new playground equipment, benches, school murals, and crosswalk installations. See the spreadsheet linked here to see all past funded PB projects: Project Status Spreadsheet.