Participatory budgeting (PB), a process that allows residents to decide how to spend a portion of public funds, is gaining traction in cities worldwide. Originating in Brazil in 1989, PB has been adopted in over 7,000 cities globally, including New York, where it has been in place since 2011. Every year, residents propose and vote on projects to improve their communities, with funds allocated to the winning initiatives.
Critics argue that PB is an elaborate form of opinion polling, with no real power given to the public. They also point out that PB can be manipulated by interest groups. However, its advocates believe that PB can foster a sense of community and increase political participation.
Despite its potential benefits, PB is not a cure-all for municipal budgeting issues. It requires significant resources, including time and money, to implement successfully. Furthermore, it can only be used for capital projects, not for operational expenses, which often make up the bulk of a city’s budget.
In the face of these challenges, PB continues to evolve. Some cities, like Paris, have introduced digital platforms to facilitate the process, while others, like Cambridge, Massachusetts, have targeted specific groups, such as children and non-citizens, to increase participation. As PB continues to grow, it is likely to face further scrutiny and adaptation.
Go to source article: https://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/how-to-spend-your-citys-money