Participatory Budget Voting Open in 49th Ward

The 49th Ward’s 15th Participatory Budget Cycle is underway, giving residents the ability to vote on various infrastructure projects throughout the ward. 

Each alderperson is granted $1.5 million annually in “menu funds,” which are funds from the city to be spent on infrastructure projects in the ward, like street and sidewalk repaving, street light replacement, environmental projects and more, according to the program’s website. 

Participatory budgeting allows ward residents to directly vote on how these aldermanic menu funds – up to $1 million – are spent. The remaining $500,000 is reserved for unexpected additional costs and other small projects determined by aldermanic staff. 

The process was first developed in Brazil in 1989, and there’s now over 1,500 participatory budgets around the world, mostly at the municipal level, according to the 49th Ward’s website. Former Alderman Joe Moore (49th) launched the first participatory budgeting process in the United States in Chicago in 2009. 

The 49th Ward’s Manager of Community Engagement Tony Sandifer explained the benefits of civic engagement in urban settings. 

“The best part about a participatory budget is that it encourages folks to participate in and learn about local governments,” Sandifer said. “A lot of times, people only know about federal elections. This gives folks a pathway to be civically involved by directly deciding how we spend our money and it promotes community engagement.” 

Student Government of Loyola Chicago President Erin Tylutki said she thinks the program is beneficial in promoting civic engagement to ward residents. 

“I think it’s good for citizens to participate as much as they can,” Tylutki said. “A budget is something that is overlooked, but it determines everything we do in politics. I think it’s always good to get people involved.” 

The Ward has five projects up for voting this year. Ballot items are nominated by anybody via a Google Form, and nominations are then developed by volunteers into final projects to be voted on.

Options include installing public seating throughout the ward, installing cement bump outs as curb extensions around New Field Elementary School to promote efficient traffic flow and family safety walking to and from the school’s campus, creating a nature play space at Kilmer Elementary for students to enjoy, resurfacing tennis courts at Touhy Park and creating sand fencing at Hartigan Beach to prevent sand from impeding upon residential areas. 

49th Ward resident Brady Cochran said he thinks the ward could promote the program more to achieve stronger participation. 

“I think that’s a great idea, but in order for it to be executed well, it needs more publicity,” Cochran said. “It feels like I don’t have a vote when I don’t really know about it.” 

Second-year sociology and history student Jana Kopal echoed the sentiment, stating she wished she knew about the program. 

“I think that’s the thing with local politics, is that you only get the people that are really passionate, whereas people that are affected by decisions might not be able to advocate for themselves, because they didn’t know they even had the option,” she said.  

Voting is open through Nov. 16 for all ward residents ages 14 and up. Residents are required to provide proof of age and a residential address in the ward. Those wishing to vote may register ​online or in person at the 49th Ward office.