Vallejo PB steering committee delays idea collection as $500,000 allocation remains uncertain

Vallejo — At its March 18 meeting, the Vallejo Participatory Budgeting steering committee confirmed it has $268,848.70 available for Cycle 9 but agreed to delay formal idea collection until the committee can get clarity on an additional $500,000 that may depend on the city council's pending budget decisions.

The committee discussed materials and a rule book staff packet presented at the meeting and heard staff say that, while an initial $500,000 from last year appears to still be held, future funding is not guaranteed because the city council has not adopted next year’s budget. "As of right now, since the city council has not created and approved the budget for next year, PB doesn't have guaranteed funding," said Mr. Ackley, the staff member who reviewed the packet.

Why it matters: Participatory budgeting (PB) directs public dollars to community‑chosen projects; uncertainty about the total pool affects how the committee times idea collection, outreach and budgeting for Cycle 9. With incomplete budget clarity, the committee said it does not want to begin idea collection prematurely and risk promising more funds than will be available.

What the committee decided: Members tentatively agreed to start formal idea collection in August, with a two‑month window for collecting ideas if that timeline holds. Commissioners emphasized preparing outreach materials now — printed handouts, a poster listing previously funded projects and scheduling volunteers — so the committee can promote PB ahead of the August collection period even if the final budget figure is unresolved.

Commissioners and staff discussed outreach channels and events where the committee could table, including the Friday Art Walk (April 10), farmers markets, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July parade and community resource fairs. Staff recommended using a Doodle poll to schedule volunteer tabling shifts. "We can have a slot in the parade and have our banner," Chair Lozano said in support of visible promotion.

Youth engagement and rule‑book changes: Commissioners discussed stronger outreach to high schools and middle schools and floated the idea of a youth commissioner. Members reviewed the rule book and noted that "the steering committee may propose changes to the rule book with approval from a quorum of the committee and final approval by the city council," and that any formal change, including adding a youth commissioner, would require a committee proposal and council action.

Public comment and volunteers: Community member Anna Bergman offered to assist with outreach and suggested block parties as venues for engagement. Commissioners agreed to add Bergman to the volunteers list and to pursue invitations to local churches and the NAACP to broaden participation.

Next steps and follow‑up: The committee asked Mr. Ackley to confirm how PB funds are held and whether Measure B proceeds are routed through the general fund; he said he would research the question and follow up by email after returning from vacation. In the meantime, staff will inventory existing materials and identify what needs reprinting so outreach can begin if approved by the city manager or once the council provides budget direction.

Formal actions: The committee approved the meeting agenda (with corrections) and the January 2026 minutes by unanimous roll call vote and adjourned after the discussion. The committee did not take a formal vote on PB funding or rule‑book amendments at this meeting.

The committee is scheduled to reconvene; staff will report back to the group with the attorney’s findings and any clarification from the city council about the PB funding line.