2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

Trust in government is a prerequisite for democracy, yet is a fleeting resource in the U.S. For centuries, democracy was limited to the privileged few—white men of a high income. Still today, many closest to society's hardships are not permitted in traditional civics. Denver's participatory budgeting program, called the People's Budget, flips the script. The program reimagines what a civic actor looks like and requires government to fit into the community—to become a space where everyone belongs. Our work is a gateway to a more engaged citizenry and higher voter turnout. But we go a step further and reimagine engagement beyond the traditional ballot, which still excludes so many. With community-led phases where anyone of any age or immigration status can vote on how public dollars are allocated, our work creates a venue where excluded perspectives can, finally, be elevated and empowered to make tangible changes to their government and cities.

To date, the people of Denver allocated $3 million of taxpayer funds. More than 6,000 residents participated, and we are meeting our goals of reducing barriers to government. In total, 55% of participants reported they either could not or did not vote in the previous election. A majority of participants identified as traditionally underserved or disenfranchised individuals, including communities of color, undocumented residents, youth, people with disabilities, people in jail and others. We are reaching those traditional government has excluded. Projects participants are funding innovative solutions to address the city's greatest challenges and serve those who need help most.

Funded projects between 2022 and 2024:

• Accessible sidewalks
• New lights in parks
• Shade in New Freedom Park
• Tiny homes and shower trailers for unhoused people
• Community gardens
• Accessible transit
• New trash and recycle bins
• Safer Intersections
• More trees
• Access to healthy food in food deserts
• Heat relief for low income households

Denver People's Budget offers thousands of people power, hope and connection at a time when we need it most. Program participants describe the impact best:

• "I had never been a part of anything like this...Everybody's able to say, I'm a part of something, and I matter." Miss Kathy Ewing (70 years old)
• The Program builds stronger relationships between government and residents. We come together as one collective power to build effective solutions that speak to the needs of the people." Carold Carter (14 years old)

• www.denvergov.org/denverpb (External link)
• Program overview (External link)