QCH is Borough Anchor for NYC's First-Ever Citywide Participatory Budgeting Process

In September 2022, the NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) held a kick-off event of "The People's Money", NYC's first-ever citywide participatory budgeting (PB) process. The process will allow all New Yorkers age 11 and up to have a voice in deciding how to spend $5 million of mayoral expense funding.

QCH was selected as the Queens borough anchor for the campaign. As anchor, we will be hosting Idea Generation Sessions across the borough where neighbors can brainstorm ideas for creative projects that meet the needs of Queens' communities. Projects will then be developed into ballot proposals, which will be voted on by residents in each borough in early 2023.

On September 14, QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases was invited to speak at the process's kick-off event in the Bronx. "This participatory democracy helps further QCH's mission of building healthy and inclusive communities across Queens," said Thomases. "When ordinary community members have a direct say in how their tax money is spent, everyone benefits."

Below is the schedule of QCH's Idea Generation Sessions that all are welcome to attend: