As part of his effort to make sure that every resident has a chance to get involved and have a voice in local government, Council Member Mark Treyger is proud to announce the start of participatory budgeting in the 47th District neighborhoods of Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Coney Island and Sea Gate.

Participatory budgeting gives residents the chance to decide exactly how $1 million of Council Member Treyger’s city capital funding allocation is spent on projects to improve the local quality of life. This can include ideas such as upgrading parks, schools, libraries, infrastructure or other capital projects that have a lifespan of at least five years and will benefit the community. During the process, residents will have the opportunity to attend neighborhood assemblies beginning next week and brainstorm and suggest their ideas to improve their block or neighborhood. Resident volunteers will then work with Council Member Treyger’s staff and various city agencies to determine which projects are feasible and eligible for funding under city law. As a former public school teacher who is always looking for ways to involve teenagers and students in their community, Council Member Treyger is highlighting the fact that residents 14 and older can take part in upcoming assemblies and suggest ideas for the final ballot, and everyone 16 and older can vote on their favorite projects this spring. While participatory budgeting has been in place in several council districts since 2011, this is the first time it has been brought to the 47th District and offers local residents an unprecedented chance to help shape the city budget.

The effort will begin with four neighborhood information sessions that Council Member Treyger is hosting throughout the district. All residents are invited to attend one of these meetings to find out more about how to get involved in participatory budgeting and learn exactly how the process will work over the coming months. The meetings will all take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are scheduled for the following dates and locations: Monday, June 9th at P.S. 329 (2929 W. 30th Street); Thursday, June 12th at John Dewey High School (50 Avenue X); Monday, June 16th at P.S. 216 (350 Avenue X); and Thursday, June 19th at St. Athanasius Church, 2201 Bay Parkway.

“This is a historic chance for residents to really get involved in local government and have a key role in deciding how their tax dollars are reinvested in the community. I am very proud to provide this great opportunity for community involvement and to make sure that every resident has a voice in the budgeting process. I am very excited to hear what ideas residents have to improve the quality of life in Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Coney Island and Sea Gate, so I encourage everyone to attend an upcoming assembly and get involved in this great initiative,” said Council Member Treyger.

Participatory budgeting is open to all district residents, with residents 14 and older eligible to take part in the process of suggesting ideas and forming the final ballot, while those 16 and older can take part in this spring’s final vote. The process is also open to anyone who works, owns a business or attends school in the district or has children who attend school in the district. For more information, check pbnyc.org or contact Jeannine Cherichetti in Council Member Treyger’s district office at (718) 307-7151.

(YWN Desk – NYC)