African-American Roundtable is pushing for participatory budgeting in Milwaukee

The African American Roundtable (AART) is leading efforts to transform Milwaukee’s budget process via participatory budgeting. Their initiative seeks adoption before the Milwaukee Common Council votes on the 2025 city budget on November 8.

Milwaukee County recently passed its 2025 budget. The city’s upcoming budget vote presents an opportunity for fiscal innovation. AART advocates say current public input falls short and is limited to two hearings.

Participatory budgeting lets residents decide how to spend portions of public funds directly. The process originated in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1989 as an anti-poverty measure. Their program helped reduce child mortality by nearly 20 percent.

The New York Times reports significant civic engagement increases among youth in participatory budgeting. Studies show participants become more likely to vote in local and national elections, and young people demonstrate increased confidence in approaching public officials.

Additional research reveals heightened interest in political careers among participating youth. They report a greater likelihood of entering city-owned buildings and volunteering. Studies indicate improved confidence in personal skills.

The democratic process has since expanded to over 7,000 cities worldwide. Municipalities typically allocate between 1 to 15 percent of annual budgets for community decision-making. The Participatory Budgeting Project recommends $1 million per 100,000 residents.

AART demonstrated the concept’s viability through a recent Northwest Side initiative. In 2023, the organization distributed $40,000 among four community projects. Over 850 residents participated in the voting process.

Winning proposals included youth mental health programs and a community kitchen renovation. Additional funded projects focused on family resource distribution and youth mentorship programming. Each organization received $10,000 for implementation.

Wisconsin’s first citywide participatory budgeting program launched in Eau Claire. The city allocated $300,000 from its capital improvement budget for community-directed projects. Their program allows participation from residents aged twelve and older.

Eau Claire’s initiative emerged from a community program called Clear Vision Eau Claire. In 2018, the city council hired implementation consultants. Mai Xiong, co-chair of the participatory budget committee, emphasizes outreach to communities of color.

Milwaukee faces distinct challenges in implementing similar programs. The city’s Northwest Side has experienced decades of disinvestment, and limited public engagement and resource allocation issues persist in historically underserved areas.

Advocates suggest reallocating funds from existing programs to support participatory budgeting. Proposed sources include $300,000 from canine units and $3 million from mounted patrol. Additional funds could come from crossing guard units.

Implementation requires digital tools for broader participation and volunteer networks. Multiple voting options, both online and in-person, ensure accessibility. Intentional outreach to underserved communities remains crucial.

The New York Times called participatory budgeting “revolutionary civics in action.” The process builds stronger communities, creates equitable resource distribution, and fosters transparency and accountability in government relationships.

The benefits extend beyond financial decisions. Participants develop public speaking and negotiation skills, and youth gain confidence and leadership experience. The process creates pathways for lifelong civic engagement.

Successful implementation faces several obstacles in Milwaukee. Political resistance to changing status quo budget processes exists. Some officials express concerns about redistributing decision-making power. Resource constraints limit expansion beyond pilot programs.

AART’s current initiative serves as a potential blueprint for larger implementation. Its steering committee of seven resident leaders determined proposal criteria, established eligibility requirements, and created program timelines.

The African American Roundtable continues advocating for systemic change. They urge residents to contact their alderperson before the November 8 budget vote. Their campaign emphasizes community involvement in public fund allocation.

Porto Alegre’s success demonstrates the potential impact of participatory budgeting. Their program allocates approximately $1,200 per person annually. The city combines direct democracy through neighborhood discussions with citywide assemblies.

Chicago became the first U.S. city to adopt participatory budgeting in 2008. The program began in one ward with 60,000 inhabitants and has since expanded to multiple districts.

Implementing participatory budgeting in Milwaukee could increase transparency in decision-making. The process builds stronger partnerships between communities and governing institutions. It reduces conflicts through an improved understanding of budget constraints.

Success requires addressing current challenges while building on community-led momentum. Organizations emphasize relationship-building with existing community partners. Strategic planning needs include developing comprehensive engagement strategies.

The upcoming city budget vote presents an opportunity for fiscal innovation. AART’s advocacy highlights the growing demand for community involvement in budget decisions. Their grassroots effort demonstrates participatory budgeting’s potential in Milwaukee.

AART is asking citizens to reach out to their alderperson to support participatory budgeting.

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