Participatory budget making - Great example

[Steven Clift]

I recall seeing some Minneapolis candidate materials mentioning Participatory Budgeting (PB). 

Did any of those candidates win?

I happen to be at a conference with both the city staff that run and the technology nonprofit that power Better Reykjavik. 

Info in English:

http://reykjavik.is/en/better-reykjavik-0

Try it live (English version) and you can select a neighborhood and then spend your budget (vote) on the community improvement projects of interest all they way through until the end where you probably can't verify your identity as a local resident:

https://kosning.reykjavik.is

There is a toggle to switch to English. Just select any neighborhood. 

Also note other idea generation projects: https://betrireykjavik.is/domain/1

A few key things I learned:

1. There is a process to select, vet, and document the proposals that directly involve the neighborhood groups. 

2. It is binding on 12% of their community improvements budget. 

3. They aggressively use online advertising to reach lots and lots of people. 

More:

Documentary:

https://vimeo.com/88214900

Summary:

http://www.citizens.is/portfolio/better-neighborhoods-helps-citizens-understand-the-realities-of-budgeting/

http://www.citizens.is/portfolio/better-reykjavik-connects-citizens-and-administration-all-year-round/

Anyway, if someone in city hall or the community would like have folks with this project do a web meeting presentation, etc. they are game. 

Thanks, 

Steven Clift 

E-Democracy.org