Winning Projects from Cycle 2
Throughout the month of April, members of the Somerville community voted on a ballot containing 20 proposals for how to spend $1 million. Over 4,200 votes were received and the funded projects are listed below. Remaining unallocated funds from Cycle 1 contributed to the total meaning that we could award $1,045,000 in total. In order of most votes, the winning projects are:
- Expanded Afterschool Programs - $150,000: More youth enrichment opportunities for Somerville families.
- Fresh Food for Community Fridges - $220,000: A walk-in fridge and increased fresh produce and meals to boost local food access.
- Bike Network Guarantee - $400,000: Funding to build at least one mile of separated bike lanes, aligned with the City’s Bicycle Network Plan.
- Public Community Composting - $125,000: A new pilot program for rodent-resistant compost drop-off bins around the city.
- Pollinator Gardens - $30,000: New native plant gardens in parks to support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.
- Outsmart Somerville Rats - $120,000: Additional SMART boxes and expanded rat control education for residents.
Work on these projects will kickoff soon! Thanks so much for the creativity and support.
Ranked Choice Results from Cycle 2
To review datasets on submitted ideas and votes received, as well as the (optional) demographic data, click here or view below:
Contact Information
You can sign up to receive emails with progress updates, opportunities to take part in the process, and more. If you are involved with a community organization and would like us to speak to your group about Participatory Budgeting, please contact Megan Huckenpahler.
The selected city improvement projects were chosen from the more than 900 ideas submitted by Somerville residents for consideration. The ideas were then evaluated by budget delegate volunteers who collaborated closely with City staff to evaluate each idea’s need, impact, feasibility, and cost to determine the final ballot proposals. Somerville residents ages 12 and up were able to vote on the final ballot of 20 ideas from September 13-October 13. Over 3,500 votes were cast by the community and the following 5 were funded out of the 20 ideas on the ballot.
Cycle 1 Funded Proposals (Spring – Fall 2023)
| Project Name/Description | Cost | Current Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Direct Community Food Access Contract with a nonprofit to strengthen direct community food access programs in Somerville. These initiatives redirect excess food to those in need and/or reduce the barriers for residents to access free or subsidized food using tools like Community Fridges. |
$55,000 | In Progress | Somerville has partnered with Boston Area Gleaners to stock the three community fridges with fresh produce on a weekly basis. Throughout academic year 2024-2025, SHS Culinary Arts students prepared and packaged meals to be distributed to the community fridges using local suppliers and distributors. |
| Bike Lane Acceleration Accelerate the implementation of the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan. This funding will be used to pay for 1-2 miles of Quick-Build bike lanes divided by flexible delineators. This is additional funding, not replacement funding. |
$250,000 | In Planning | 1.61 miles across 7 sections in addition to priority streets for bike lane creation and/or a more durable separator. A small portion of the funds will also be used to add bike racks. |
| Bus Stop Improvement Improve access and condition of areas around bus stops in most heavily used corridors in Somerville (Broadway, Washington, Somerville Ave.). Options include real time signage, seating, landscaping, or innovative shade structures. |
$200,000 | Under Construction | Five shelters have been ordered and will appear throughout Summer 2025. One shelter has been installed on Washington St @ Webster Abe in Union Square. |
| Faster BigBelly Trash Can Adoption for Rat Abatement Place additional BigBelly trash can units through the city to improve cleanliness and decrease the rat population. Part of this funding would also go towards promotional materials explaining measures that all residents can take to reduce the rat population. |
$250,000 | Complete | In addition to the existing replacement plan, 90 close-top trash cans have been distributed throughout the city, including all Somerville parks. These cans reduce rat populations and keep our city sparkling |
| Keep it Cool in the ‘Ville Install shade structures for parks and public squares. Create cooler, sun-safe areas for pedestrians and park-goers to reduce effects of urban heat. |
$200,000 | In Procurement | The Capuano Schoolyard has been selected as the location best suited for a shade structure. Potential vendors have been contacted for the structure, installation, and groundwork upon completion. |
Ranked Choice Results from Cycle 1
History of Participatory Budgeting
In Somerville
In June 2022, the Mayor proposed―and City Council approved―$1 million to be allocated for the purpose of having community members propose and vote on projects to improve Somerville. The Working Group, made up of 11 residents and one City Councilor, is currently researching, deliberating, and deciding how this initiative will be rolled out in an equitable, inclusive, and engaging manner.
Hear more about how the process has been going in this Tufts Daily article and view the Participatory Budgeting Guidebook developed by the Working Group!
Worldwide
Participatory Budgeting began in Brazil in the 1980s and allows citizens to vote on how they would like to see a portion of government funds spent in the community. It has since expanded to more than 11,000 processes in nations, cities, and educational institutions in over 71 countries. More information can be found in the World PB Atlas.
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