Dear Neighbor,
If you’ve been a 49th Ward resident for a while, you know that I employ a process called “participatory budgeting” in which the residents of my ward decide directly how to spend the Ward’s $1.3 million “menu money”–discretionary funds received annually by each Chicago alderman for infrastructure improvements in their wards.
I invite you to attend one of the upcoming Neighborhood Assemblies to learn about the proposed neighborhood improvement projects for this year and provide your feedback. The project proposals have been put together by neighborhood volunteers, who’ve been working hard the last six months researching and crafting the proposals for your consideration.
You need only go to one of the assemblies. The dates, times and locations of the assemblies are as follows:
- Tuesday, March 29th, 7:00 p.m., United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse (at Ashland) 3rd Floor. Parking available at the southwest corner of Morse and Ashland.
- Thursday, March 31st, 7:00 p.m., Pottawattomie Park Fieldhouse, 7340 N. Rogers.
In addition, a Spanish language Neighborhood Assembly will be held on Wednesday, April 6th, 7:00 p.m.,at the St. Jerome Church Parish Center, 1706 W. Lunt.
You will have an opportunity at the upcoming Neighborhood Assemblies to hear directly from six different neighborhood committees about the projects they’re proposing for inclusion on the ballot. Each committee will give a short presentation on its project proposals, and you will be invited to offer your feedback and suggestions.
To get a look at some of the projects that are being proposed and to offer your own ideas, CLICK HERE.
The 49th Ward is the first political jurisdiction in the nation to give its residents the power to determine how to spend a portion of a governmental budget. Over 1,600 ward residents voted in last year’s participatory budgeting election. The process was such a success that I pledged to make it a permanent fixture in the 49th Ward.
For the results of last year’s election, CLICK HERE.
For an update on the implementation of last year’s winning projects, CLICK HERE.
For more information about participatory budgeting and how the process works in the 49th Ward, visit the Participatory Budgeting page on my web site:
https://www.ward49.com/participatory-budgeting/
Most importantly, make sure you attend one of the Neighborhood Assemblies and have your voice heard.
Sincerely,
Joe Moore
P.S. Mark your calendars for two upcoming 49th Ward Participatory Budgeting events:
1. Join me for a special Follow Me on Friday as the Leadership Committee of the 49th Ward Participatory Budgeting Initiative hosts a benefit to support its public outreach efforts. The benefit will be held Friday, April 8th, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse.
2. The 49th Ward Participatory Budgeting Election Day this year is Satruday, May 7th! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite 49th Ward infrastructure projects at the Voting Assembly, Saturday, May 7th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Chicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N. Clark St. (across from Touhy Park).
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