What is the Richmond People’s Budget and how can I participate?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A program that allows Richmond residents to have a say in how part of the city's budget is spent is currently accepting ideas. According to a spokesperson for Richmond City Council, the Richmond People's Budget is a new participatory budgeting project that allows residents to propose and vote on ideas for capital improvements around the city. The Richmond People's Budget was introduced by the Richmond City Council in 2019 and is citizen-led by a People's Budget Commission. According to the spokesperson, the organization is currently in its first cycle with the opportunity for people to propose their ideas open until the end of November. What is the process? According to the Richmond People's Budget's website, the process begins by brainstorming, collecting and discussing ideas in person, online and at meetings about potential improvements to the city in the fall. The ideas are then turned into real projects with proposals developed in November. Those who want to support proposal development can find the volunteer form on the organization's contact page. Residents then have the opportunity to vote on the best projects in April 2025. According to the organization, every citizen aged 14 or older can participate. Funding for the winning projects will begin in July 2025, according to the Richmond People's Budget. For more information about the Richmond People's Budget, visit its website.