Participatory Budgeting is a different way to manage public money, and to engage people in government. It is also a democratic process Cambridge residents age 12 and older will be able to vote. Voters can choose up to 6 projects It will change your community or environment. The money will be spent on the projects this year $600,000. It is your own decision.
The advantages are the projects free, Its builds trust, both between your organization and the community and among the individuals involved and It respects every one’s intelligence and, values every one's idea and experience. It is also safe for Cambridge residents.
The disadvantages of Participatory Budgeting is the projects are only for Cambridge residents. It also takes longer time to process each project. The community may not have important technical knowledge or experience, and may need to understand some theory. The community needs to know more about Participatory Budgeting.
Overall my experience with Participatory Budgeting has been good because it helps people not only community. In the future they will ask other people What do they need? What is important thing to our community? They will Participate in other city's. People learn more Participatory Budgeting, and teach the community that have important things to say. To teach the people about planning process of Participatory Budgeting, and can help to improve the community over the long term.