Mayor Janey Takes Steps to Democratize Boston's Budget Process

Strategic Insights -

Boston Mayor Kim Janey is taking key steps to democratize the city's budget building process, signing off on a ballot question to amend the City of Boston Charter and allocating an additional $1 million to establish the city's first Office of Participatory Budgeting. The proposed charter amendment, which Mayor Janey championed as City Council President, aims to strike a more equal balance of budgetary powers between the Mayor and the City Council. If passed, both the City Council and the Mayor will have the authority to amend the city's budget in whole or in part.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mayor Janey signed a ballot question to amend the City of Boston Charter, which will strike a more equal balance of budgetary powers between the Mayor and the City Council.
  • The proposed charter amendment will now be sent to the Attorney General's office for placement on Boston's municipal ballot this November.
  • An additional $1 million was allocated in the city's proposed FY 22 Budget for the immediate creation of the Office of Participatory Budgeting.
  • The Office of Participatory Budgeting will lead the Administration's efforts around expanding opportunities for community involvement in the city's annual budgeting process.
  • The community-based Participatory Budgeting Committee will determine resident priorities when it comes to the city's investments.
  • Organizations such as CPA, ACE, and Alternatives for Community and Environment are commending Mayor Janey's leadership on charter reform, which will make Boston a more transparent and democratic city.
  • Participatory budgeting will allow residents across Boston to have direct decision-making in the city's tax dollars, strengthening the city's democracy, transparency, and civic participation.

Statistics:

  • $1 million: Additional funds allocated in the city's proposed FY 22 Budget for the Office of Participatory Budgeting.
  • 3.75 billion: Proposed FY22 operating budget by Mayor Janeys.
  • 3.2 billion: FY22-FY26 Capital Plan proposed by Mayor Janey.
  • 11: Month of the year when the charter amendment will be placed on Boston's municipal ballot.
  • 2022: Fiscal Year 2022.

Sources:

  • "Boston Mayor Kim Janey Signs Charter Reform Amendment to Create Participatory Budgeting Process" by Contify.com.