OPINION: Let's give neighborhoods a direct say in how tax dollars are spent

In February 2024, I launched an experiment in democratizing public spending through participatory budgeting (PB). First implemented in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1989, PB was a response to the city’s failure to provide essential services to its most vulnerable residents.

Since then, cities worldwide have adopted participatory budgeting to ensure public funds are allocated based on community priorities.

After receiving my first round of capital discretionary funding as the new city councilor for District 6, I dedicated $1.5 million of my Council Set-Aside funds — as part of the city of Albuquerque’s general obligation bond program — to launch this initiative. Coincidentally, at this same time undergraduate and graduate students at the University of New Mexico were researching PB models in other U.S. cities that could be adapted in Albuquerque.

Rather than hiring a consulting firm to design Albuquerque’s PB process — a common approach for civic engagement initiatives — my office partnered with UNM and a group of engaged District 6 community members to form Participatory Budgeting ABQ (PBABQ). From June to October 2024, we co-designed a PB pilot program that empowered residents of District 6 to submit capital project ideas to address local needs in neighborhoods like the International District, Fair West, and University Heights.

Why should the community have a direct say in how their tax dollars are spent? Because they are the ones most affected by local infrastructure and services. Traditionally, budget decisions are made at City Hall, often by individuals who do not live in the communities most impacted by funding gaps. PBABQ has created a pathway for historically underrepresented voices — students, working families, unhoused individuals, and others — to engage in decisions about their neighborhoods. This process has:

• Helped me align our capital budget with community priorities.
• Educated residents about municipal governance and public finance.
• Created leadership opportunities for community members.

Since October, hundreds of District 6 residents have participated in small workshops, neighborhood walks, pop-up events, and assemblies to brainstorm over 240 potential capital projects. Participants range from Wilson Middle School students to neighborhood association leaders to unhoused families at the Hawthorne Shelter.

Some of the most frequently submitted ideas include public restrooms, mobile hygiene units, mutual aid hubs, pedestrian safety improvements, and public art projects.

In March, District 6 residents will vote to determine which projects receive funding. However, $1.5 million can only stretch so far, especially when the cost of basic infrastructure is so high. A single light pole installation, for example, can cost up to $20,000. When compared to the city’s proposed $175 million general obligation bond program, this is just a drop in the bucket.

Albuquerque is not alone in implementing participatory budgeting. Cities like New York, Chicago, Seattle and Oakland have successfully implemented PB to allocate public funds toward community-driven projects. In New York City, PB has improved schools, parks and transit infrastructure. In Chicago, it has helped fund public safety initiatives, street repairs and youth programs. These cities serve as models for how PB can engage communities in budget decisions that directly impact their lives.

PB is one of the most inclusive and community-driven tools for addressing local needs. It removes barriers that often exclude residents from traditional civic engagement processes, such as City Council or neighborhood associations meetings. PBABQ has already proven to be an effective way to bring residents together to problem-solve and take collective ownership of their neighborhoods.

To sustain and expand this initiative, I am partnering with key players in the New Mexico Legislature — such as Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla and Reps. Cristina Parajón, Janelle Anyanonu and Marianna Anaya — to secure additional capital outlay funds.

By matching my initial investment, we aim to demonstrate that participatory budgeting is not just a pilot project, but the model for a more democratic, transparent, and community-driven approach to public spending.

If successful, this initiative could pave the way for PB to expand across more City Council districts, state legislative districts and communities across New Mexico.

Public dollars shape the future of our neighborhoods. It’s time we give the people who live in them a direct say in that future.

Nichole L. Rogers represents District 6 on the Albuquerque City Council.