Participatory Budgeting

Voting must be done in person by March 10 at Ald. Napolitano's office, 7442 N. Harlem Ave.

The ward is the latest to introduce participatory budgeting for aldermanic "menu" dollars.

"Participatory budgeting works best when people actually participate," Arena's chief of staff said.

A public meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Taft High School, 6530 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., to hear ideas.

Chicago Academy, Reinberg Elementary and Schurz High School will all get money for outdoor facilities.

Ward residents can vote through Oct. 22 on how Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) should spend $1 million.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) will spend his discretionary budget based on a vote of residents. 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) will spend his discretionary budget based on a vote of residents. 

About 650 people voted in the first participatory budgeting process in the ward.

Voters also earmarked $570,000 for street resurfacing, Ald. Gilbert Villegas said.

A proposal to build bicycle lanes along Austin Avenue failed to get enough votes, Ald. John Arena said.

Ballots can be cast through Friday at the ward office and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Wilson Park.

This is the inaugural year of participatory budgeting in the ward. 

Free document shredding will be available from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday in Jefferson Park.

Ward residents can earn more about the projects up for a vote at an expo April 25.