Participatory Budgeting (PB)

The 2022-23 Participatory Budgeting Cycle is Complete

See the tab below for details on the winning projects.

What is Participatory Budgeting (PB)?

Participatory Budgeting (PB for short!) is a democratic process through which community members directly decide how to spend public funds. PB guarantees accountability in spending decisions, can increase equity and access, foster civic engagement and community spirit, and ensure that public money targets real community needs.

What PB is NOT

PB is not the same as the Town's annual operating and capital budgets. In these budget processes, Town staff develop the recommended budget to present to the Select Board and eventually to Town Meeting. Residents can participate in those budget processes by commenting at the Select Board's annual budget hearings, or through their Town Meeting representatives. 

Submitting an Idea

When an active participatory budgeting cycle is underway, you can submit your ideas to improve Lexington! All ideas are welcome, but projects are only eligible if they meet certain criteria. (Note: the 2022-23 PB cycle is closed.)

Criteria

Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:

  • Benefits the public
  • Are one-time expenditures
  • Are capital projects, (something bought or built--as opposed to operating projects, which usually fund salaries and services)
    • Some capital projects may have some sort of associated operating cost. It can't require the Town to hire additional staff.
  • Are implemented by the Town of Lexington on Town property (streets, sidewalks, parks, library, schools, youth centers, senior centers, municipal buildings, etc.)

Example Projects

Examples of projects that you could submit could be:

  • Water fountains in a park
  • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • Bicycle repair station
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Planting trees

Translation

When there is an active participatory budgeting cycle underway, translation services are available upon request in Mandarin, Korean, and Hindi. Email Sean Dugan for assistance.

提交您的关于改善莱克星顿想法。可根据要求提供翻译

렉싱턴의 발전을 위한 당신의 아이디어를 보내주십시오. 요청하시면 번역 서비스가 제공됩니다

लेक्सिंगटन को बेहतर बनाने के लिए अपने विचार प्रस्तुत करें। अनुरोध पर अनुवाद सेवाएं उपलब्ध हैं।

Contact

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact Sean Dugan in the Town Manager's Office by email or call 781-698-4548.