Ithaca working group outlines participatory budgeting structure, aims to send proposal to council by September

Siobhan, a staff member in the city's sustainability department, told the Sustainability Advisory Commission that the community working group designing Ithaca’s participatory budgeting process expects to present a proposal to Common Council by September.

The process stems from Justice 50, which Siobhan said "included in it a stipulation that 10% of the total capital project budget be reserved for a participatory budgeting process." The working group has met every other week since February to define goals, outreach and review mechanisms rather than simply selecting projects.

Nikki Ray Israel Sen, a Ward 2 resident and director of Bikewalk Tompkins who is on the working group, said the effort prioritizes inclusivity and practical participation: "I like the possibility of our community being able to come together in agreement on something…that these ideas are coming from our community members from a relatively level playing field." She described challenges the group faces in recruiting people with limited time and in designing rules that will not further disenfranchise residents.

Claire Burnett, climate change and public engagement educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, described CCE’s role in running 10–15 community workshops to teach residents how to frame and refine project ideas. Claire said the workshops are funded through a NYSERDA grant and are scheduled to run during winter 2027, with the goal of helping community members "co‑generate knowledge" and prepare viable proposals.

Commissioners pressed for clarity on decision rules and on how the public will be kept informed. David Kaye asked how projects ultimately would be selected; Nikki said the working group uses consensus for its own deliberations and has not yet finalized the voting rules for the broader public ballot. Commissioners also raised youth engagement: Claire said voting in the participatory process is expected to be open to residents 16 and older.

Several members warned the group to set expectations before broad outreach, noting the capital allocation could be small or zero in the coming budget. Aaron Fernando urged contingency planning so the workshops and community-building aspects remain valuable even if the budget allocation is limited. Commissioners recommended that staff provide cost estimates when possible and indicated the commission could prepare a short recommendation for council once the proposal is finalized.

The commission agreed it would stay informed as the working group finalizes details. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for August 10; staff said they expect to have a proposal to share with council by September, in time for budget‑season consideration.