December 17, 2016
http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/news/20161217/cambridge-announces-participatory-budgeting-results
The results are in for the third participatory budget process. More than 4,700 Cambridge residents ages 12 and older voted to decide how to spend $700,000 on capital projects to improve the community - a 13 percent 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 participatory budget 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 ballot in December for a public vote.
The following projects won funding:
- Solar Power Shines! for $260,000;
- Safer Crosswalks for Busy Roads for $104,000;
- 10 Solar-Powered Real-Time Bus Tracker Displays for $150,000;
- Kinetic Energy Tiles for $50,000;
- Hydration Stations in Four Locations for $37,000;
- Upgrade the Moore Youth Center for $80,000; and
- Cambridge Street Art Trail for $25,000.
For information: pb.cambridgema.gov.