The City of Somerville is convening a Participatory Budgeting Working Group to help plan what participatory budgeting will look like in Somerville, and all residents are invited to apply. “Participatory budgeting” means members of the public decide how to spend money in a public budget.

Earlier this year, for the first time in Somerville, Mayor Ballantyne earmarked $1 million in the city’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget for participatory budgeting. Residents and community-based organizations will be able to propose and vote on priorities for those funds.

The Participatory Budgeting Working Group will establish guidelines and develop a process to roll out participatory budgeting in Somerville in an inclusive, equitable manner. Members will write policies, organize events, build outreach and engagement strategies, and create and disseminate informational materials. The working group will consist of 11 residents and one City Councilor. Members should expect to meet for approximately 90 minutes weekly for eight weeks. These are volunteer positions.

Applications are due Friday, September 16. To apply, please send a statement of interest to Megan Huckenpahler at pb@somervillema.gov or by mail to Participatory Budgeting, Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville MA 02143. Please email Megan or call her at 617-625-6600 ext. 2107 with any questions.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 ext. 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.