SUNNYSIDE — City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer will launch participatory budgeting next week, a process that allows residents to weigh in on how they think budget funds should be spent in their neighborhoods.
Residents in Van Bramer's district — which includes Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City — can help decide how the councilman should allot $1 million in capital funds for projects in the area, which can include things like park improvements, school repairs or other proposals.
Van Bramer will hold two information sessions in the district next week, with the first on July 8 at Sunnyside Community Services and the second July 9 at the Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement House. Both will start at 6:30 p.m.
Last month, Jamaica City Councilman Daneek Miller and Forest Hills rep Karen Koslowitz also introduced participatory budgeting in their respective districts.