Participatory Budgeting

Democratizing the capital project process

Park Slope Library Garden | Completion: Spring 2017 | The Park Slope Library garden features a storytelling amphitheater, community garden, paths, planters and other improvements funded through the participatory budgeting process. The garden was proposed by the Friends of Park Slope Library, supported by participatory budgeting (PBNYC) volunteer budget delegates, and selected in the PBNYC vote process by voters in Council Member Lander’s district.
Park Slope Library Garden | Completion: Spring 2017 | The Park Slope Library garden features a storytelling amphitheater, community garden, paths, planters and other improvements funded through the participatory budgeting process. The garden was proposed by the Friends of Park Slope Library, supported by participatory budgeting (PBNYC) volunteer budget delegates, and selected in the PBNYC vote process by voters in Council Member Lander’s district.
Windsor Terrace Library | Completion: Fall 2017 | Thanks to participatory budgeting allocation from Council Member Lander’s district, Windsor Terrace Library was renovated with a new living green roof that will provide a habitat for birds and insects, help improve air quality, and manage storm water, among other positive environmental impacts.
Windsor Terrace Library | Completion: Fall 2017 | Thanks to participatory budgeting allocation from Council Member Lander’s district, Windsor Terrace Library was renovated with a new living green roof that will provide a habitat for birds and insects, help improve air quality, and manage storm water, among other positive environmental impacts.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a process that allows the public to decide how to spend capital money set aside for their district. The capital funding allocated must be used toward projects that have a useful life of more than five years (except IT equipment which is 3 years) and cost at least $50,000. However, most Brooklyn Public Library capital projects cost significantly more than this, and take an average four years to move from project concept to completion.

Projects funded through Participatory Budgeting
DISTRICT
LIBRARY
PROJECT
ALLOCATION
FISCAL YEAR
STATUS
39KensingtonCommunity Space Resources$80,000FY13Completed 2013
39Carroll Gardens, Windsor TerraceNew Library Computers at Two Libraries$75,000FY14Completed 2014
38Sunset ParkCommunity Room Upgrades$60,000FY15Project incorporated into branch redesign, currently in design (update Oct. 2019)
38Red HookCommunity Garden$85,000FY15Project incorporated into branch redesign, currently in design (updated 10/2019)
39Windsor TerraceGreen Roof$85,000FY15Completed 2017
44Midwood, Mapleton and RyderComputer and Technology Upgrades at Three Libraries$200,000FY15Completed 2015
38Red HookTechnology Space$50,000FY16Project incorporated into branch redesign and is currently being designed (updated 10/2019)
45RugbyYouth Technology Upgrades$35,000FY16Project incorporated into branch renovation, currently in construction and expected to open Spring 2020(update Oct. 2019)
39Park SlopeGarden Project$250,000FY16Completed May 2017
36MarcyAuditorium Upgrades$350,000FY17This project is being designed and is estimated to be completed in Winter 2021 (updated 10/2019)
39Carroll Gardens LibraryCreate Teen Space$350,000FY17Project incorporated into branch redesign; construction is estimated to start in 2021 (updated 10/2019)
39Carroll Gardens, Windsor Terrace and Borough ParkBookdrops at Three Libraries$24,000FY17Completed 2017
47GravesendMeeting Room Upgrade$300,000FY18Project being initiated, timeline is not determined (update 10/2019)
35Clinton HillElectrical Upgrade$150,000FY19Project being initiated, timeline is not determined (update 10/2019)
47Coney IslandTechnology Upgrade$50,000FY19Project under construction, to be completed early 2020 (updated 10/2019)
33WilliamsburgCollections and Books$5,000FY20Completed 2019
35Walt Whitman LibraryYoung Adult Upgrades$250,000FY20Project merged with larger branch project, to be completed Fall 2022 (updated 10/2019)
43McKinley ParkMeeting Room Renovation$250,000FY20Project being initiated, timeline is not determined (update 10/2019)
47Cortelyou LibraryUpgraded entrance and plaza$350,000FY20Project being initiated, time is not determined (updated 10/2019)