In the proposed budget for Greensboro, a notable exclusion has left some community members questioning priorities: the absence of new funding for the city’s participatory budgeting program. This decision marks a shift from previous years when the program empowered residents to directly decide on the allocation of $100,000 per district for community projects.
Since its inception in 2015, participatory budgeting in Greensboro has been a tool for fostering community engagement, allowing residents to vote on projects ranging from park upgrades to the addition of new bus stops across each of the five City Council districts. Yet, in a move attributed to a greater focus on employee compensation, the program was suspended last year.
Interim City Manager Chris Wilson outlined the reasoning behind this exclusion, noting the intention to prioritize the completion of projects approved during the 2022 cycle. Wilson expressed, “It is my recommendation to you that in the coming year you focus on completing the things that were part of that cycle.” The emphasis on follow-through suggests a strategic decision to ensure previously planned investments reach fruition.
As discussions around the future of participatory budgeting continue, questions have arisen regarding the equity of the process. Observations have pointed out that participation in the program tends to favor more affluent, predominantly white residents. Such concerns shed light on the essential balance between innovative budgeting processes and ensuring inclusive, equitable community involvement.
During a council meeting set for a public hearing at 5:30 p.m., further considerations will include authorization for city staff to issue up to $47.5 million in bonds. This funding seeks to address a range of infrastructure and facility needs, notably including the construction of a new fleet service garage and significant repairs across city facilities. Highlighting the breadth of the city’s infrastructure challenges, staff have reported a staggering $285 million in unfunded maintenance requirements.
The proposed bond issuance, facilitated through Limited Obligation Bonds, circumvents the need for a referendum, according to Finance Director Marlene Druga. This strategy enables the city to address urgent needs without imposing additional property tax burdens on residents. Approval from the state’s Local Government Commission, if granted, will pave the way for the issuance of these bonds.
As Greensboro navigates its budgetary constraints and priorities, the balancing act between essential infrastructure investments and innovative community engagement programs like participatory budgeting remains a topic of community interest. How the city allocates its resources underscores the challenges and complexities of municipal governance, where every funding decision reflects broader values and strategic visions for the future.
