Promote Public Participation in Community Spending Decisions (US0043)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: United States Second Action Plan 2013-2015
Action Plan Cycle: 2013
Status:
Institutions
Lead Institution: Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Support Institution(s): NA
Policy Areas
Fiscal Openness, Infrastructure & Transport, Public Participation, Public Participation in Budget/Fiscal Policy, Public Service DeliveryIRM Review
IRM Report: United States End-of-Term Report 2013-2015, United States Progress Report 2013-2015
Early Results: Marginal
Design i
Verifiable: Yes
Relevant to OGP Values: Yes
Ambition (see definition): Low
Implementation i
Description
Participatory budgeting allows citizens to play a key role in identifying, discussing, and prioritizing public spending projects, and gives them a voice in how taxpayer dollars are spent. Several communities around the country, such as Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Vallejo, already have had success in, or are currently planning, participatory budgeting processes to help determine local budgeting priorities. One way participatory budgeting can be utilized by cities is through eligible Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing and Community Development funds, which can be used to promote affordable housing, provide services to the most vulnerable citizens, and create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. In 2014, the Administration will work in collaboration with the Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative (SC2), the National League of Cities, non-profit organizations, philanthropies, and interested cities to: create tools and best practices that communities can use to implement projects; raise awareness among other American communities that participatory budgeting can be used to help determine local investment priorities; and help educate communities on participatory budgeting and its benefits.
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