Participatory Budgeting is a process through which citizens determine how a chunk of NY City Council money is spent.
The details vary by City Council districts. Fortunately, Brad Lander (District 39), the City Councilmember who represents most of Gowanus, is a participant in Participatory Budgeting (PB). Thank you, Councilmember Lander!
That means we in Gowanus have a chance to vote for ART! (And other great community-serving projects, too!)
How to vote:
If you live in District 39 and are 14 years or older:
1. Review the proposals that are on the ballot (you can choose up to 5).
2. Select a location and time to vote – times and locations can be found throughout the district. Closest to Gowanus, you have several options:
Tuesday, March 29, 6:30-8:30 at the Park Slope Library at 431 6th Ave (NOTE: This is also an Expo and Information Fair where you can learn about this year’s projects from your neighbors who created them. It is always a fun evening.)
Wednesday and Thursday, March 30-31, 8am-7pm, at Councilmember Lander’s office, 456 5th Ave, 3rd Floor
Saturday, April 2, 10am-6pm, at Old Stone House at Washington Park
Sunday, April 3, 10am-6pm, at Carroll Park House, on Smith St between President and Carroll
3. Go VOTE – it is a great way to show that the arts matter in our community (and that community voices matter in choosing how the city spends our money). Voting has already started and goes only through the weekend.
Voting is THIS WEEK ONLY. Last day to vote is Sunday, April 3.
ALSO – if you live in Coucilmember Stephen Levin’s district (District 33, includes much of Gowanus north of Union Street), there are also great projects and times to vote.
Arts Gowanus
540 President Street, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, New York 11215
More information: www.artsgowanus.org