City Council's New Participatory Budgeting Initiative |

We're excited to learn about the new Participatory Budgeting initiative created by four New York City Council Members, including one of our supporters, Melissa Mark-Viverito. Participatory Budgeting gives the local community an opportunity to delegate 1 million dollars of capital funds in each participating district. Locals work together to come up with ideas for the funds based on pressing community needs, they then refine their proposals and submit them for a public vote. Community members voting on how community funds are spent. A wonderful step toward greater economic fairness, and perfectly timed as the Occupy Wall Street movement grows nationwide.

Until this point, capital funds were awarded to groups based solely on the Council Member's discretion. This is the first time in history that our Council Members are changing the rules, letting their constituents decide for themselves what programs best serve their communities needs.

The meetings themselves have passed, unfortunately, (we're sorry we didn't get this info to you sooner!) but Council Member Viverito just announced a video campaign enabling people to submit their ideas for neighborhood improvement via video. All submissions before November 21st will be considered, so get out your cameras and make it happen! If you don't have camera experience, go to BCAT's free training on November 7th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at their studios in Gowanus, Brooklyn:

The Old American Can Factory
232 Third Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Good luck!