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Idea Collection Workshop

July 24 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

How would you spend $2 million to benefit your community? The City of Boston wants the disability community’s input! Join BCIL on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. from 2 pm – 330 pm for a virtual workshop to explore what might be possible! If you are a City of Boston resident and would like to participate in this virtual meeting please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvc-Guqj0vHtA30ApBvCQ0EnpVVry1pnBK.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process where community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. The goal of Participatory Budgeting in Boston is to empower residents to elevate community-centered project ideas with an emphasis on social and racial equity.

By engaging in Participatory Budgeting, Bostonians of all ages and backgrounds can help inform priorities and future investments for the City’s larger budget process.

Who can submit project ideas?

ALL City of Boston residents, regardless of age, can submit ideas!

What type of ideas can you propose?

  • Projects are limited to a one-time expense, and do not create new permanent positions;
  • Project proposals may include programs and services as well as physical infrastructure
    • Infrastructure projects on private, state, or federal property are not eligible, such as projects concerning the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) or the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).
    • Project ideas related to programs and services in non-City owned facilities are eligible.
  • Project ideas must be feasible to implement, and be consistent with existing City policies, laws, regulations, and the Participatory Budgeting Ordinance; and
  • Projects must be implemented or managed by the appropriate City Department or agency receiving direct budget appropriations.

Of note: Project ideas containing inappropriate, offensive, or derogatory language will be removed and not considered from the PB process.

What are some examples of ideas?

Ideas may include programs and services, as well as physical infrastructure, technological improvements, and community enhancements.

  • Examples of Eligible Ideas: Programming to strengthen mental health among Boston youth; Expanding the City’s Wicked Free WiFi network to reach more low-income areas; Digital literacy classes for senior citizens to learn new skills and promote social connections; Enhance public spaces through infrastructure projects (public art, street trees, benches, etc.)
  • Examples of Ineligible Ideas: Paying for the salary of a public employee to provide services; Repairing a privately owned building; Helping an organization renovate a space that it rents from a private landlord; Helping a religious institution repair its sanctuary; Increase the frequency of MBTA buses or trains.

What is the timeline?

  • July 1 – July 31, 2024 – Idea Collection Campaign: Submit Your Ideas!
  • Visioning Forums & Online Engagement     October – November 2024
  • Public Voting Period January 2025
  • February 2025 and Onward – Fund and Implement Project Proposal

If you are a City of Boston resident and would like to participate in this virtual meeting please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvc-Guqj0vHtA30ApBvCQ0EnpVVry1pnBK.

ADA reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. To submit a request, contact Austin at aoconnor@bostoncil.org or (617) 338-6665. As part of your request, please include a description of the accommodation you will need and include as much detail as you can. Please provide your contact information in case we need more information. When possible, please allow at least seven days advance notice. Last-minute requests will be accepted but may be difficult to fill.

This calendar is a public service and does not constitute endorsement by BCIL of other organization’s events.