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Boston: Mayor Michelle Wu Announces New Cycle of City-Wide Participatory Budgeting Initiative

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~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the return of the city's Participatory Budgeting initiative, 'Ideas in Action,' for its third year. This program allows residents to have a direct say in how $2 million of the city's budget is allocated.

Last year, thousands of residents participated in the program by attending workshops, submitting ideas, and voting for their preferred projects. As a result, eight innovative projects were funded and are now moving into implementation.

Participatory Budgeting is open to all Boston residents and offers them the opportunity to shape city investments. This includes strengthening youth programs, expanding access to community resources, improving public spaces, and more.

Mayor Wu stated that this program empowers community members to directly influence how their neighborhoods are invested in. She encourages all residents to share their ideas and help shape future budget investments.

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To support residents in participating in the process, the Office of Participatory Budgeting will partner with trusted community-based organizations. Residents can share their ideas online at participate.boston.gov or by calling 617-635-3059. They can also visit City Hall or selected BCYF Community Centers or attend Idea Collection Workshops hosted by community partners across Boston.

After the Idea Collection phase, the City will review submissions and work with residents to develop eligible ideas into proposals for a future public vote. This process not only allows residents to have a say in budget allocations but also helps inform the City's understanding of community priorities.

Renato Castelo, Director of the Office of Participatory Budgeting, emphasized that every idea submitted helps them better understand what residents are experiencing and what neighborhoods need. The goal is to make participation simple, accessible, and meaningful for all residents regardless of age, background or neighborhood.

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Eligible ideas may include projects that address mental health among Boston youth, expand digital access, support senior residents, improve public spaces, promote health and well-being, and more.

Residents can participate by submitting project ideas online, calling the multilingual Participatory Budgeting phone line, visiting City Hall or selected BCYF Community Centers, or attending in-person Idea Collection Workshops organized by nonprofit organizations throughout the city.

The timeline for this year's 'Ideas in Action' program is as follows: Idea Collection will take place in July 2026, Proposal Development from October to December 2026, Voting in January and February 2027, and Funding and Implementing Winning Ideas in Spring 2027. Residents can also see updates on past cycles on the Boston.gov website.

Mayor Wu and the Office of Participatory Budgeting are committed to making sure that residents have a voice in how their communities are invested in. With this program, Boston residents have the opportunity to make a direct impact on their neighborhoods and shape the future of their city.

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