Apply Today to Become a Budget Delegate Volunteer & Help Decide How to Spend $1M in Participatory Budgeting Funds

The City of Somerville is now accepting applications from residents ages 16 and older to join the City’s Participatory Budgeting process as Budget Delegate Volunteers. Budget Delegate Volunteers will work with City staff to review Participatory Budgeting idea submissions and determine which 20 ideas will be voted on by their fellow residents. No previous finance or budgeting experience is required; all residents will be given training and background as needed.

Delegate meetings will be mostly held virtually, with some in-person meetings required. Delegates will attend a two-hour orientation, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, January 9, from 6-8 p.m. Weekly virtual meetings will take place on following Thursdays through March 13, 2025. 

To apply, please complete the application here or call 617-625-6600 ext. 2107 with any questions or to receive a paper application. Applications are due Wednesday, November 20.

Budget Delegates will sit on at least one subcommittee:  

• Community-Wide Resources
• Parks & Green Spaces
• Streets & Sidewalks
• Arts & Culture
• Education
  

Once the subcommittees are formed, Budget Delegate Volunteers will review and research each idea, in consultation with City staff, and narrow down a smaller selection to research further and grade based on need, impact, and feasibility. 

With these criteria in mind, as well as feedback from City staff on project cost, the subcommittees will select the final 20 allotted proposals for the ballot. All city residents will have the opportunity to vote on the selected proposals in April 2025.

The current list of ideas is available for the public to look at here. Residents can also stay up to date on one-time or seasonal volunteer opportunities, as well as process updates, via the Participatory Budgeting E-Newsletter. Sign up at somervillema.gov/PB.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.