NYC Councilman Tells Members to Spend $1 Million

A New York City councilman says he has $1 million to spend -- and he wants his district members to tell him how to use it.

Councilman Jumaane D. Williams, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, announced Sunday he is allocating $1 million from his capital budget for "participatory budgeting."

"Local residents will come together in public meetings to discuss local priorities and design specific infrastructure projects to address the needs of our community," Williams explained in a press release. "In March, a public vote will be held, and winning projects will be funded through my budget for the 45th District."

Williams sent an email Sunday to community members announcing the project, with the subject line: "MEETING TOMORROW! How Would YOU Spend $1 Million of the City's Money?"

Williams said this is the first time in New York City and the second time in the U.S. that citizens are able to direct where the money in their local capital budget goes.

Neighborhood assemblies have been scheduled throughout the district, and each has arrangements for food, child care and entertainment.

•    October 17, 2011 from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Gold Room on the sixth floor of the Brooklyn College Student Center, located at East 27th Street and Campus Road.

•    October 21, 2011 from 6:30-9:00 PM at Clarendon Road Church, located at 3304 Clarendon Road.

•    October 24, 2011 from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Tabernacle of Praise, located at 1274 Utica Avenue.

•    October 31, 2011 from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Gold Room on the sixth floor of the Brooklyn College Student Center, located at East 27th Street and Campus Road. (Conducted in Haitian-Creole)

For more information on participatory budgeting in New York City, visit pbnyc.org.