PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING
I truly believe that all citizens should be involved in the political process. As things are today, we vote for someone to represent us and hope they make decisions in our best interest. Sure, you may be able to speak with your Alderperson, Mayor, or Senator, but are you really heard? You may not know there is a better way, but there is!
Participatory budgeting is a new way of doing things. Letting residents decide how money should be spent just seems like common sense. However, few sectors of government do just that. Currently participatory budgeting is being implemented in Chicago’s 49th Ward and eight districts in New York City. It’s being met with praise because participatory budgeting not only gives residents a chance to vote on how their money is spent, but it increases community involvement, and gives people firsthand knowledge of the political process.
You can read more about participatory budgeting here or feel free to email your questions to me:
witthaus4alderman@gmail.com
The Participatory Budgeting Project
