Nearly 130,000 New Yorkers vote in NYC Participatory Budgeting, directing $25 million to schools, parks and libraries citywide. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)
NEW YORK, NY— Nearly 130,000 New Yorkers voted in the Fiscal Year 2027 Participatory Budgeting cycle, selecting local capital projects across 22 City Council districts that will receive nearly $25 million in funding for schools, parks, libraries and public infrastructure.
Residents cast ballots online and at more than 100 in-person sites between April 11 and April 19, according to city data.
New Yorkers ages 11 and older in participating districts were eligible to vote.
“This process is about civic engagement and empowers community members of all ages to get involved in the long-term success of their local communities,” speaker Julie Menin said. “The best ideas for our neighborhoods come from the people who live in them.”
Across participating districts, projects largely focused on infrastructure improvements in schools, libraries, parks, health facilities, and community spaces.
The program marked its 15th cycle since launching in 2011, according to the City Council, and recorded its highest participation level to date.
Winning Participatory Budgeting Projects For 2027:
District 1 — Christopher Marte
Gouverneur Hospital commercial dishwasher
Battery Park City School playground and track field
District 2 — Harvey Epstein
Youth environmental stewardship program
Food safety training program
Mentoring initiative
Community inclusion programming
District 3 — Carl Wilson
Air conditioning for P.S. 212 / Performing Arts High School
Gym divider for NYC Lab Middle School
Library security upgrades
Street tree guards
District 5 — Julie Menin
Library technology upgrades across five branches
School bathroom improvements (M.S. 177 / P.S. 158)