The City of Grand Rapids’ participatory budgeting initiative is a democratic process that allows residents the opportunity to help determine how public funds are spent.
With two-million dollars online. Residents have until 11:59 tomorrow, Wednesday, to join thousands who have already voted. The votes are for projects recommended by the public and finalized by the Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids (PBGR) Steering Committee.
A news release says residents can vote for the final projects recommended specifically for each of Grand Rapids’ three wards at all Grand Rapids public Library locations, some pop-up voting events as well as the website, at PBGR.org.
Voting results will determine which projects will be forwarded to the City Commission for funding approval. The proposed projects will be funded through the graduated dispersal of $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds across the City’s three wards. The graduated ward distribution of funds includes: First Ward - $600,000, Second Ward -$400,000, and Third Ward - $1 million.