black research.
We are building a nation-leading Black-led and -centered Black Brilliance Research institute that uses culturally fluid processes, methodologies, and practices to center and uplift Black voices and perspectives. Please explore the information below with the understanding that this page will be updated with projects, team members and background in March 2021!
Democratic Budgeting: Divest to Invest
Imagine a democratic process where taxpayers decide how our money gets spent to improve our lives and communities. Welcome to democratic budgeting—aka participatory budgeting.
What is Participatory Budgeting? Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. It gives people real power over real money. It started in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1989, and has since spread to over 3,000 cities around the world. It is used to decide budgets from states, counties, cities, housing authorities, schools, and other institutions. Learn more.
Awesome. How does IT work?
1: Design the Process
A steering committee that represents the community creates the rules and engagement plan.
2: Brainstorm Ideas
Through meetings and online tools, residents share and discuss ideas for projects.
3:Develop Proposals
Volunteer “budget delegates” develop the ideas into feasible proposals.
4: Vote
Residents vote on the proposals that most serve the communities needs.
5: Fund Winning Projects
The government or institution funds and implements the winning ideas.