Special to the Times-Free Press
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Participatory Budgeting (OPB) announced the winning projects of the first cycle of the Participatory Budgeting Initiative, “Ideas in Action.” The winning proposals included: Expand Access to Fresh Foods in Boston; Rat Prevention Initiatives in Dense Residential Areas; Programs to Support Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Youth; Rental Assistance for Boston Youth Ages 16-24; Support Community Gardens in Boston’s Neighborhoods with Limited Access to Affordable Food; and Install Benches at High-Ridership Public Transit Bus Stops in Boston.
As part of the participatory budgeting process, residents previously submitted 1,200 ideas for how the City should allocate $2 million. Then, Boston residents helped shape and prioritize 14 project proposals for the voting phase. Following the collection of submissions, residents voted on their top five projects from January 15 through February 15, 2025. Determining the winning projects, 4,462 residents voted, with 4,449 Boston residents voting online and 13 residents voting in person at City Hall, resulting in the six winning proposals.
“Our inaugural participatory budgeting process was guided by the voices of 4,462 Bostonians directly shaping the future of our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re grateful to all who helped drive projects that matter most to community members and look forward to implementing these investments throughout our neighborhoods.”
This initiative started as a community effort that led Boston voters to approve a ballot measure in the 2021 Municipal Election to create an Office of Participatory Budgeting. Mayor Wu and the City Council adopted the ordinance, establishing the Office in spring 2023. The $2 million of the City budget will be invested in one-time and non-recurrent, community-driven projects across the City. Voting was available and accessible in multiple languages, both online or in person at City Hall. Residents also could visit any Boston Public Library branch to receive assistance with voting. All Boston residents aged 11 and older, regardless of citizenship status, were eligible to vote.
“Our collaboration with community groups, guidance from the Office’s External Oversight Board, and intentional partnerships with City Departments helped our team create an inclusive and equitable participatory budgeting process during this inaugural year, and allowed for a positive experience for all residents,” said Renato Castelo, Director of the Office of Participatory Budgeting. “OPB looks forward to supporting the implementation of the winning projects and incorporating lessons learned into the second cycle of PB, which kicks off in July of 2025!”
Throughout the voting month, the Office of Participatory Budgeting (OPB) worked closely with community stakeholders to inform residents and actively engage them in the voting process. OPB also collaborated with the Office of Neighborhood Services to inform residents about the voting period in their monthly newsletters and social media. Additionally, office hours were hosted at Boston Public Library branches to engage with residents in voting. These took place at the East Boston, Roxbury, Dudley Square, Copley, Brighton, and Chinatown branches during the voting period.
“I’m thrilled by the success of Boston’s first-ever participatory budget process, which inspired innovative, community-driven proposals from across the city. Many of the winning projects—expanding fresh food access, rat prevention, and support for formerly incarcerated youth—align with the priorities of the Boston City Council and of my office. I’m excited and hopeful as we begin implementing these community-led solutions,” said City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune.
“It’s encouraging to see the democratic results of this participatory budgeting process. It really shows the power of the people,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell, chair of the Committee on Ways & Means. “The City Council aims to reflect the people’s voice in our budget amendments, and much of our advocacy reflects these same priorities as our residents, including housing, food insecurity, and quality of life issues.”
Each of the six winning proposals will receive dedicated funding, and relevant departments will oversee its implementation.
“The Boston Rodent Action Plan team is grateful to the people of Boston for pursuing innovative and effective rodent control solutions. Improving waste management in our densest residential areas and leveraging technology to measure effectiveness will result in tangible improvements and ultimately, better quality of life for residents,” said John Ulrich, Chair of the Boston Rodent Action Plan Working Group. “We stand ready to implement this project and report back to the community on its results.”
The Office of Participatory Budgeting will work with the lead departments on next steps for implementation later this year.
The Office of Participatory Budgeting (OPB) provides an official point of entry for Boston residents to contribute to the city’s budget process. OPB continues to advance its mission by furthering public engagement and direct democratic involvement, building collective capacity on issues of racial and social justice, and aligning with the City’s goal of achieving and embedding equity and inclusion into City practices.