Winning Projects for Participatory Budget Process Announced

The results are in for the third Participatory Budget (PB) Process. Over 4,700 Cambridge residents age 12 and older voted to decide how to spend $700,000 on capital projects to improve the community - a 13% increase from last year.

Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process through which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. The goal of PB is to directly involve residents in the budgeting and City-building process, foster civic engagement and community spirit, and help ensure that the City’s Capital Plan reflects the priorities of Cambridge residents.

After community members brainstormed project ideas in June and July, volunteer Budget Delegates researched and developed those ideas into formal project proposals from August through November. Proposals that were vetted by City staff and approved by the City Manager appeared on a PB ballot in December for a public vote. The following winning projects will be included in the FY18 Capital Budget for adoption.

1. Solar Power Shines! ($260,000)
2. Safer Crosswalks for Busy Roads ($104,000)
3. 10 Solar-Powered Real-Time Bus Tracker Displays ($150,000)
4. Kinetic Energy Tiles ($50,000)
5. Hydration Stations in Four Locations ($37,000)
6. Upgrade the Moore Youth Center ($80,000)
7. Cambridge Street Art Trail ($25,000)

To learn more about PB and the winning projects, please visit pb.cambridgema.gov.