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North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

16 AUGUST 11, 2023

Mayor Adams, Civic Engagement Commission

Announce Results Of “The People’s Money,”

Citywide Participatory Budgeting Vote

$5 Million Will Fund 46 Projects to Address Community Needs

OUR BUREAU residents.
“New Yorkers have ensured that
NEW YORK, NY
$5 million goes toward the commu-
ew York City Mayor Eric Ad- nity needs that they feel are most de-
ams and New York City Civ- serving,” said New York City Hous-
Nic Engagement Commission ing Authority (NYCHA) CEO Lisa
(CEC) Chair and Executive Director Bova-Hiatt. “Youth and senior ser-
Dr. Sarah Sayeed have announced vices, food access, job training, envi-
the results of “The People’s Mon- ronmental sustainability — these are
ey” — New York City’s first-ever paramount issues for New Yorkers,
citywide participatory budgeting vote. including NYCHA residents, and it
The 46 projects funded as a result of is empowering to see them rally to
this participatory budget will address get them funded through ‘The Peo-
community needs as identified by res- ple’s Money.’”
idents, with an overwhelming focus New Yorkers living in any one of
on youth and mental health services. the five boroughs were able to vote
Residents also chose projects that will on a ballot for their borough, while
focus on supporting the health and those living in one of 33 equity neigh-
well-being of New Yorkers, food ac- borhoods were also able to vote on a
cess, job training, workers’ rights, se- who rolled up their sleeves and got New York City Community Affairs ballot for their neighborhood. Fund-
nior services, immigrant services, arts in the weeds of city-making. We can- Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. ing for projects will be based on pop-
and culture, and the environment. not wait for next year and even more “Congratulations to Dr. Sayeed and ulation and poverty indicators, as ap-
“Through this historic process, ‘People’s Money’ for New Yorkers to the Civic Engagement Commission proved by New Yorkers via a public
we are learning more about the spend!” team on engaging New Yorkers hearing.
needs and priorities of New Yorkers “When New Yorkers speak, we across all five boroughs to allocate $5 “New Immigrant Community
and taking steps to effect change by listen. That’s what participatory million! These funded projects will Empowerment seeks to empow-
investing directly into our commu- budgeting is all about — active lis- help address important community er immigrant workers in life and at
nities,” said Mayor Adams. “This tening, empowering communities, issues, including job training, senior work. NICE members have had the
administration believes in the power and building civic power,” said CEC services, and the environment.” powerful opportunity to participate
of community voice, and by provid- Chair and Executive Director Dr. Between May 10 and June 25, in CEC’s ‘The People’s Money’ since
ing opportunities like ‘The People’s Sayeed. “Since its inception, the New York City residents voted on the beginning — they gathered in
Money,’ we strengthen our democra- CEC has placed equity and justice at how to spend part of the city bud- the community to select an idea that
cy and deepen civic engagement.” the center of our work to build trust get in their communities. The CEC contributes to the economic devel-
“There’s no one better to decide in democracy. This historic process provided $1.7 million in funding to opment of Queens borough, made it
how the New York City budget is has inspired tens of thousands of 105 community partners to engage in to the ballot, voted, and encouraged
spent than New Yorkers themselves,” new voices into the democratic pro- grassroots outreach directed toward the community participation in this
said New York City Chief Engage- cess, providing a unique, accessible New Yorkers who have typically historic event,” said Nilbia Coyote,
ment Officer Betsy MacLean. “We pathway into civic engagement, and been left out of the democratic pro- executive director, New Immigrant
all have an important part to play in we are incredibly grateful for the un- cess. This included a targeted effort Community Empowerment (NICE).
making our beloved city work bet- precedented level of participation. in 33 neighborhoods, as identified by “CEC’s ‘The People’s Money’ pro-
ter and be better for all of us. Huge We will continue to partner with the Task Force on Racial Inclusion vided NICE members — immigrant
congratulations to Dr. Sayeed and communities through the implemen- and Equity as most heavily impact- workers that contribute to building
the powerhouse ‘People’s Money’ tation of these exciting projects.” ed by COVID-19, and with specific New York City every day — a pow-
team for leading this groundbreak- “New York City’s first-ever city- communities, such as those with lim- erful and empowering opportunity to
ing effort — the first of its kind so wide participatory budgeting process ited English proficiency, youth (11- contribute and get their voices heard
focused on equity and inclusion and has been an exciting opportunity 21), veterans, people with disabilities, across New York City. NICE thanks
at this scale. I am deeply inspired by for the Adams administration to immigrants, NYCHA residents, old- the New York City Civic Engage-
the more than 100 community part- connect directly with communities er adults, the faith-based community, ment Commission for the opportuni-
ners and over 100,000 New Yorkers as partners in government,” said LGBTQIA+, and justice-impacted ty to participate in this initiative.”

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