All Big Apple residents, ages 11 and older, regardless of immigration status, can have their say on how a portion of the New York City budget will be spent. The voting period for the ‘People’s Money’ consultation will be extended until June 12.
This process, organized by the New York City Civic Liaison Commission (CEC), allows residents of the five boroughs to consult on what types of social services, welfare and education projects their communities prefer.
The CEC has been working to ensure an inclusive and equitable process, which is why it has strived to offer information about this vote in 13 languages. Voters can also “vote” online in a very simple way at: on.nyc.gov/pb
Voting forms are also available in public bookstores.
“Immigrants are vital to the civic life of New York City and bring energy, industry and vitality to our diverse communities. Through People’s Money’s participatory budgeting process, regardless of immigration status, we ensure that diverse communities have a say in how and where to spend a portion of the city’s budget,” said Dr. Sarah Sayeed, president. of the CEC.
Made in community
In the first cycle of the citywide participatory budgeting process, a total of 46 community projects were funded, with $5 million in city funds.
More than 100,000 New Yorkers voted to select spending projects that address a wide range of community needs, including mental health, youth programs, food security, nutrition and vocational training.
The winning projects are being carried out by community organizations throughout New York City.
For example, voters in Manhattan this year have the opportunity to choose from eight projects that include an internship model for women with criminal records, a pet care program for vulnerable New Yorkers and a support plan for elderly caregivers, among others.
As of June 4, more than 35,000 residents have voted. After June 12, ballots will be tabulated and winning projects announced. Investment in the selected programs will begin at the end of this year, after the allocation of resources to community organizations that will be selected through a competitive process.
Democratic process
This week, precisely in Lower Manhattan’s Migrant Plaza, an event was organized to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month and encourage people to vote.
“This celebration coincides with the possibility that all New Yorkers have, regardless of their language or origin, to be seen and heard, in playing a fundamental role in the democratic process, which impacts their communities and reflects their needs,” said Manuel Castro, commissioner of the Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).
In addition to giving attendees the opportunity to vote in People’s Money, the event honored a group of Spanish-speaking immigrant mothers, who contributed to the ‘Sunnies’ art project that supports this participatory budgeting voting campaign.
CCA resident artist Yazmany Arboleda created the Sunnies, a collection of fun figures, giant, inflatable yellow puppets with a heart, that symbolize the optimism and diversity of the residents of the Big Apple.
“As the creator of this agency we always make efforts to create a connection between art and public space. And this is precisely what we are achieving,” he highlighted.
A group of immigrant women contacted by the community organization Aids for Life International created the ‘Sunny’ figures that represent New Yorkers who have a big heart, do different jobs and care about their community. One of them was the Dominican Carmen Canela who tenaciously collaborated in the creation of these figures that represent the spirit of New York.
“”They are ordinary people from here in the city, workers, laborers, vendors, those who collect garbage and many more, who we pay this tribute to, because they are a vital part of making this city as great as it is. They are also an invitation to participation. As a migrant I have always felt motivated to look for spaces to help. And that makes me feel very proud,” commented Carmen.
It is very easy to vote. Take 2 minutes:
- Your first step is to click on on.nyc.gov/pb, there you have the option to select the language.
- The requirements to vote are to be a resident of New York City and to be 11 years or older.
- Then, enter the zip code of your area and click “next”. Then you will need a phone number, to which you will receive a code, which you need to enter to continue voting.
- If you do not have or do not want to use a cell phone, you can request a PIN code to participate by sending an email to participate@civicengagement.nyc.gov with the following subject: “PIN Request.”
- You can only request a PIN code by email and it will be sent within a maximum of two business days.