Participatory Budgeting Space
This pattern is shaped by
Problem
When community decisions about shared resources happen behind closed doors — in council chambers, in committee rooms — most residents never participate, the decisions reflect the preferences of the few who show up, and the community has no ownership of the outcome.
Evidence and Discussion
Participatory budgeting — letting residents directly decide how to spend a portion of public funds — has been implemented in over 7,000 cities worldwide since its origin in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1989. The evidence shows higher civic engagement, more equitable resource distribution, and greater satisfaction with public services.
Therefore
in every neighborhood, provide a dedicated space — and a recurring process — for collective decision-making about shared resources. The space should be accessible (ground floor, no stairs, transit-adjacent), neutral (not owned by any faction), transparent (decisions visible to all), and comfortable (good light, good acoustics, seating for at least forty). The process matters as much as the space: regular meetings, clear agendas, real money on the table, and visible outcomes.