Detroit Mayor Sheffield introduces local budget participation program

The city of Detroit is launching an effort that allows residents to decide how to spend part of the city funds allocated to each district.

This is a pilot program that allocates $250,000 to each council district and invites residents to have a say in how the funds are used.

"This is a major step towards equity, transparency and resident participation in Detroit," Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said. "I always believe that no one knows best than the residents who live in these neighborhoods as it relates to the concerns and priorities and projects that they would like to see funded."

Sheffield, Chief Financial Officer Tonya Stoudemire, and other city officials introduced the "participatory budgeting" program at an 11 a.m. press conference Thursday from the Coleman A. Young Recreation Center in Detroit.

City officials say they often get ideas from residents for programs and services, and this budgeting process provides a way to consider those projects. Applications for this initial round open on November 16.

"This will ensure that the people who live, work, and raise families here have a voice in the investments that shape their communities," Sheffield said. "Residents will help bring forward ideas and vote on projects that address their neighborhood needs, whether it's park improvements, recreation enhancements, neighborhood infrastructure and beautification projects."

Stoudemire spoke about the different phases of the project, with phase one being the design phase, in which residents will collaborate to establish the initial rules and guidelines. In phase two, the decision-making phase, residents will submit project ideas and vote on the final projects, Stoudemire says. And phase three will be implementation, according to Stoudemire.

Nina Hodge a resident of Detroit's northeast side said she's excited to hear from her neighbors about where they want that money to go. But she also has her own ideas.

"I really need to see some trash containers so we can have beautification over there, so instead of throwing it out, trash everywhere, they can throw the trash out into a container, so that's some things I'd like to see," she said.

Officials say residents can apply to join the group in the first phase at detroitmi.gov/pb.