NYC Councilman David G. Greenfield is kicking off the second year of Participatory Budgeting in the 44th District tonight with a meeting at 7 p.m. in Boro Park to once again give residents the chance to decide how $1 million in government funds is spent to improve their community. All residents with ideas for how this money should be reinvested in their block or neighborhood to improve the local quality of life is urged to stop by the Georgie Ballroom tonight and provide their input as part of this great initiative in open government.

Last year, during the first year of participatory budgeting in Councilman Greenfield’s district, dozens of community members attended meetings, during which they had the chance to brainstorm and suggest their ideas. That culminated in the final vote last spring, when 1,610 residents cast their ballot for which projects they wanted funded with the $1 million in city funds that Councilman Greenfield set aside for this exciting experiment. Now, the process is beginning for this year, and all residents are urged to attend an upcoming meeting in their neighborhood to get involved, beginning this evening in Boro Park.

“I believe in transparency and openness in government. That’s why I am proud to once again bring participatory budgeting to my constituents. This is a unique opportunity for the public to have a direct and real say over exactly how their tax dollars are reinvested back in the community. I hope that many more residents will get involved in this exciting initiative this year by attending tonight’s meeting and giving us their great suggestions to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood,” said Councilman Greenfield.

The participatory budgeting neighborhood assemblies for the 44th
District are scheduled as follows:

* In Boro Park, tonight, Oct. 16th at the Georgie Ballroom, 4424 16th
Avenue, at 7 p.m.

* In Midwood, on Wednesday, Oct. 23rd at P.S. 99, 1120 E. 10th Street,
between Avenues K & L, at 7 p.m.

* In Bensonhurst, on Wednesday, Oct. 30th at I.S 96, 99 Avenue P,
corner of West 11th Street, at 7 p.m.

Last year’s participatory budgeting effort resulted in projects such as countdown signals and security cameras that are now being implemented around the district. This year, Councilman Greenfield is one of nine council members taking part in participatory budgeting, meaning it has doubled in size since it was first introduced to New York City three years ago. In the 44th District, it is part of Councilman Greenfield’s ongoing efforts to involve as many residents as possible in government and to bring greater transparency and openness to the city’s budgeting process.

“When more and more residents step up and take an active role in their neighborhood, the entire community benefits. If you have ever had an idea to improve your block or a good idea for how our tax dollars should be reinvested locally, be sure to stop by an upcoming meeting and have your voice heard,” added Councilman Greenfield.

For more information about participatory budgeting, please contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

(YWN Desk – NYC)