Participatory budgeting (PB) is a democratic process that lets community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. Instead of decisions being made solely by officials or behind closed doors, PB puts that power in the hands of the people who live, work, and invest in the community.

Through PB, neighbors come together to share ideas, propose projects, and vote on how funding should be used. Whether it’s improving parks, supporting youth programs, or adding neighborhood lighting, the goal is to make sure public dollars reflect what matters most to the community.

It’s real people deciding how to spend real money. The process helps build trust, encourages transparency, and gives residents a stronger sense of ownership in the future of their neighborhood.