Participatory Budgeting

The 46th Ward is introducing a new way to allocate “menu money”! Alderman Angela Clay is giving residents the power to shape their neighborhood through Participatory Budgeting (PB). With over $1 million available, you can help decide how these funds are used—whether it’s fixing curbs, resurfacing streets, enhancing street lighting, or adding bike lanes.

Have you noticed an infrastructure issue in the community? This is your chance to spotlight it for potential improvement. Eligible submissions will be reviewed by staff and a team of volunteers. Once finalized, all 46th Ward residents will have the opportunity to vote on the projects and decide how to allocate over $1 million in menu funds.

  • Stay tuned for more information this summer on Participatory Budgeting 2024! In the meantime, you can submit a potential project or repair below.

    What is “menu money” and what can it be spent on?

    Every year, each Alderperson receives over $1 million for ward infrastructure improvements. This is the sole source of funding made available to Alderpeople to repave streets, resurface alleys, and make critically needed infrastructure improvements.

    There are a few basic considerations for menu money allocation, they include:

    • The project must be a "capital improvement" e.g. bricks, cement, asphalt, and steel 

    • The project must be for public property - city streets, sidewalks, alleys, or public parks and schools.

    • The project must be in the 46th Ward.

    There are a number of things menu money allocation cannot include, some key examples:

    • Does NOT include routine repairs like filling potholes, graffiti removal, requesting a new garbage cart (This can be done via 3-1-1)

    • Does NOT include any non permanent infrastructure including purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or funding programs.   

    • Trees are not PB eligible. To request a new tree, please email info@46thward.com.

    There are a number of standard types of projects that include pre-set prices from CDOT (aka a “menu” of options– where the term “menu money” gets its name!).  Projects outside of this “menu” can in some cases still receive funding allocation, but they often require a more in-depth review and pricing process.  Standard projects include: Residential street resurfacing, alley repaving, bike lane infrastructure, street lights, and pedestrian safety infrastructure such as bump outs and pedestrian refuge islands.  

    Although sidewalks are sometimes considered and voted on as part of our participatory budgeting process, given the large number of sidewalks in need of repairs, the 46th Ward office will prioritize blocks that have sidewalks with large portions in great need of repair. We encourage individual homeowners seeking to fix the sidewalk immediately adjacent to their home to explore the City's shared sidewalk program.

    Stay tuned for more information this summer on Participatory Budgeting 2024! In the meantime, you can submit a potential project or repair below.

  • Voting has concluded! The 46th Ward office is now working with CDOT and other relevants departments to get cost estimates for proposed project. Please stay tuned for updates. All authorized projects will be posted below.

    The results of those surveys were as follows:

    • 51% of funds should be spent on repairs, 49% on new infrastructure

    • Priorities for repairs are 1) sidewalks, 2) residential streets, and 3) alley reconstruction

    • Priorities for new infrastructure are 1) pedestrian safety, 2) park and green space improvements, and 3) lighting improvements