Cycle 2 of Participatory Budgeting is Live!
We’re looking for you to submit your best ideas for how the city should spend $1 million dollars. The submission window for ideas will be open for two months from September 20th through November 20th.
Our first cycle allocated $955,000 to FIVE projects, and with some learnings under our belt, we're back and ready to spend another $1 million on YOUR ideas.
Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process by which neighbors submit ideas for how to improve the city. Ideas must be on public property, one-time expenses (think infrastructure, not jobs), and cost less than the total $1 million (Which we'll help with once all ideas are submitted). A group of volunteers will review and score all the ideas, deciding on the top 20 proposals which will be voted on by all residents 12 and older. Volunteer to review the submitted ideas by filling out an interest form. Meetings will be hybrid and held from January – March 2025.
To review datasets on submitted ideas and votes received, as well as the (optional) demographic data, click here or view below:
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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing the five winning city improvement projects selected by residents from Somerville’s first-ever Participatory Budgeting process. Over 3,500 votes were by the community cast to select which ideas 20 ideas from September 13-October 13. they most wanted to see in-action in their neighborhoods.
“I am thrilled to share the winning ideas from our first-ever Participatory Budgeting cycle. The people of Somerville have made their voices heard, and their creativity and community spirit have shone through,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “The winning ideas reflect the compassion and ingenuity that is so unique to our city, and I want to thank everyone who submitted an idea, voted, or helped get the word out to make this happen. I’d especially like to thank the budget delegate volunteers, who devoted their time this summer to collaborating with City staff to present a thoughtful and impactful final ballot.”
The selected city improvement projects were chosen from the more than 900 ideas submitted by Somerville residents for consideration. The ideas were then evaluated by budget delegate volunteers who collaborated closely with City staff to evaluate each idea’s need, impact, feasibility, and cost to determine the final ballot proposals. Somerville residents ages 12 and up were able to vote on the final ballot of 20 ideas from September 13-October 13.
Cycle 1 Funded Proposals (Spring – Fall 2023)
| Project Name/Description | Cost | Current Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Direct Community Food Access Contract with a nonprofit to strengthen direct community food access programs in Somerville. These initiatives redirect excess food to those in need and/or reduce the barriers for residents to access free or subsidized food using tools like Community Fridges. |
$55,000 | In Progress | Somerville has partnered with Boston Area Gleaners to stock the three community fridges with fresh produce on a weekly basis. Come fall, students in the SHS Culinary Arts prepare and package meals to be distributed to the community fridges using local suppliers and distributers. |
| Bike Lane Acceleration Accelerate the implementation of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan. This funding will be used to pay for 1-2 miles of Quick-Build bike lanes divided by flexible delineators. This is additional funding, not replacement funding. |
$250,000 | In Planning | 1.61 miles across 7 sections in addition to priority streets for bike lane creation and/or a more durable separator. A small portion of the funds will also be used to add bike racks. |
| Bus Stop Improvement Improve access and condition of areas around bus stops in most heavily used corridors in Somerville (Broadway, Washington, Somerville Ave.). Options include real time signage, seating, landscaping, or innovative shade structures. |
$200,000 | In Procurement | Four locations have been selected based on usage, crash data, available shelters, accessibility, and MBTA replacements plans. Existing suppliers have been contacted and MBTA has approved plans. |
| Faster BigBelly Trash Can Adoption for Rat Abatement Place additional BigBelly trash can units through the city to improve cleanliness and decrease the rat population. Part of this funding would also go towards promotional materials explaining measures that all residents can take to reduce the rat population. |
$250,000 | Complete | In addition to the existing replacement plan, 90 close-top trash cans have been distributed throughout the city, including all Somerville parks. These cans reduce rat populations and keep our city sparkling |
| Keep it Cool in the ‘Ville Install shade structures for parks and public squares. Create cooler, sun-safe areas for pedestrians and park-goers to reduce effects of urban heat. |
$200,000 | In Procurement | The Capuano Schoolyard has been selected as the location best suited for a shade structure. Potential vendors have been contacted for the structure, installation, and groundwork upon completion. |
The total project cost of the funded ideas is $955,000. The City will begin implementing these projects this fall. More complicated projects will take longer to realize, but the work to deliver on these community priorities will begin right away.
Ranked Choice Results
You can sign up to receive emails with progress updates, opportunities to take part in the process, and more. If you are involved with a community organization and would like us to speak to your group about Participatory Budgeting, please contact Megan Huckenpahler.
Participatory Budgeting in Other Cities
Many other cities in the United States have already begun the process, starting with Chicago. Government structure, funding source, and voting methodologies vary throughout the US, but listed below are a few cities that closest mirror ours - check out their winning projects for inspiration!
History of Participatory Budgeting
In Somerville
In June 2022, the Mayor proposed―and City Council approved―$1 million to be allocated for the purpose of having community members propose and vote on projects to improve Somerville. The Working Group, made up of 11 residents and one City Councilor, is currently researching, deliberating, and deciding how this initiative will be rolled out in an equitable, inclusive, and engaging manner.
Hear more about how the process has been going in this Tufts Daily article and view the Participatory Budgeting Guidebook developed by the Working Group!
Worldwide
Participatory Budgeting began in Brazil in the 1980s and allows citizens to vote on how they would like to see a portion of government funds spent in the community. It has since expanded to more than 11,000 processes in nations, cities, and educational institutions in over 71 countries. More information can be found in the World PB Atlas.
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