Residents can vote on how to allocate $500,000 in their community, shaping local projects and improvements.
Fuentes kicked off this process last year, gathering ideas from locals and checking what’s feasible. It’s a great way for residents to voice their opinions on spending, whether it’s fixing streets, adding bike lanes, or putting up murals.
Now, folks can vote for three out of four project packages that focus on community quality of life, safety, and neighborhood vitality. Some cool ideas that made the cut include:
– Improvements at Maple Park, 2047 N. Spaulding Ave.
– A mural at the viaduct of Potomac and Central Park avenues
– More park signage at 1918 N. Central Park Ave.
– Proper signage for roundabouts on Wabansia Avenue from California to Western avenues
– A community green space outside Moos Elementary School
The projects that get the most votes will be funded by the city later this year.
Moos Elementary School, located at 1711 N. California Ave., was seen covered in snow on January 10, 2024.
Usually, alderpeople decide how to spend their menu money, but participatory budgeting is becoming more popular. It lets neighbors have a say in how funds are used. Fuentes is among 12 other alderpeople using this process.
Anyone 14 and older can vote on which projects should get funding, and you don’t even need to be registered to vote.
Voting started at the beginning of the month and runs through Friday. You can vote in person at the 26th Ward office, located at 2511 W. Division St., or at community events. The ward office is open from 2-5 p.m. on Mondays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
