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For the last two months, a group of 25 community members has worked with the City of Eureka to determine how the city should spend a $75,000 chunk of this year’s budget. The group has boiled its recommendations down to two areas of concern: traffic safety and alternative housing. 

The process, known as participatory budgeting, gives members of the public an opportunity to determine how public funds ought to be spent. In this case, the group of Eureka residents will make recommendations on how to best spend $15,000 on small community-improving projects in each of the city’s wards. 

During the final participatory budgeting session on Thursday, the group will consider several project proposals from city staff and offer their recommendations. They will also enjoy refreshments and a couple slices of pizza, I’m told.

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Here’s the press release from the City of Eureka:

On October 25th, the City of Eureka launched a process known as participatory budgeting in which community members participate in prioritizing how to spend $75,000 allocated by the Council during the City’s budget process. Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend a portion of a public budget.

A group of 25 community members have attended two PB meetings and developed a list of projects/programs to be considered for prioritization and implementation. The desired projects/programs have been narrowed to two areas of concern, traffic safety and alternative housing.

At the final meeting on December 15th at 5:30 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building, programs and projects will be presented at a public meeting. Community members will be able to provide input and make recommendations. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

Information is also available on the City’s Website at www.eurekaca.gov

Document: Participatory Budget Guidelines