Participatory Budgeting

The 45th and 36th ward offices both revealed how their constituents chose to spend $1 million.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) is asking constituents to vote on how they want the ward's money spent.

Possible infrastructure projects include sidewalk bump-outs, flower pots and "decorative trash cans."

Tuesday's light show previewed an item on this year's 45th Ward participatory budgeting ballot.

The new sidewalk bump-outs and bike lanes are projected to be completed by the end of October.

Officials unveiled a $915,000 new improvement for the Jefferson Park school yard.

Officials will hold a "town hall" at the school to discuss the project at 6 p.m. Monday.

Last year, voters in the 45th Ward participatory budgeting process opted for 450 new trees.

The meetings are set for July 18 and 24.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) will hold a series of public assemblies to generate ideas next week.

Ald. Deb Mell (33rd) shared the infrastructure projects selected from constituents' recommendations.

Set to be completed by the end of May, the lanes will stretch from Addison Street to Lawrence Avenue.

Ald. John Arena (45th) is pushing to expand the sidewalks on six intersections, a spokesman said.

The city does not adequately fund infrastructure repair, Inspector General Joseph Ferguson found. 

Every item listed on Ald. Anthony Napolitano's participatory budgeting ballot will be funded, he said.