Vote On How The UES Should Spend $1M

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — New York City's annual Participatory Budgeting process is back, which means it's time for Upper East Siders to cast their votes on how to allocate $1,000,000 in the neighborhood.

For the uninitiated, Participatory Budgeting is an annual democratic process for New Yorkers to vote on how to allocate up to $1,000,000 in their districts, with a focus on capital projects that would improve schools, parks, libraries and other public spaces.

Not every New York City Council district participates, but District 5, which includes Roosevelt Island, parts of the Upper East Side, and Midtown East, will be voting, Councilmember Julie Menin said.

"Participatory Budgeting Vote Week is proof that the best ideas for our neighborhoods come from the people who live in them," Menin, who represents District 5, said.

This year, there are 13 different choices on the Upper East Side's ballot, including new tree guards, new bathrooms at public schools, purchasing a firefighting robot, and more. For the full list, scroll to the bottom of this article.

Voting kicks off on Saturday, April 11, and runs through April 19, Menin's office said. Consituents can vote in person or online.

According to Menin's office, constituents aged 11 and up are eligible to vote.

"When New Yorkers have a direct say in how public dollars are spent, we get a stronger, more responsive city," Menin said. "I encourage everyone in a participating district, including District 5, to cast their votes this week."

To vote in person, go to one of the locations below.

• District 5 Office - 444 East 75th St, Unit 1B, New York, NY 10021
• 92NY - 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128
• 546 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York, NY 10044
• 415 E 73rd St, New York, NY 10021
• Lenox Hill Neighborhood House - 331 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021
• Asphalt Green - 555 E 90th St, New York, NY 10128
• East 67th Library - 328 E 67th St, New York, NY 10065
• Yorkville Library - 222 E 79th St, New York, NY 10075
• East 96th Library - 112 E 96th St, New York, NY 10128
• Roosevelt Island Library - 504 Main St, New York, NY 10044
• Webster Library - 1465 York Ave, NY 10075

This round of voting will be the Upper East Side's fifth cycle. This year, 22 of New York City's 51 council districts will be voting, but District 4, the Upper East Side's other district, will not be voting. To find what district you're in, go here.

"To every New Yorker who has made participatory budgeting a priority, thank you for strengthening our civic democracy," Menin said.

The winning projects will be included in the City’s budget in June 2026.

Here's the full list of options on this year's ballot.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.

Related content:

• Here's How The Upper East Side Is Spending $2.75M