For the past 6 months, the Central New York Community Foundation has convened participatory budgeting sessions around the lead crisis in the city of Syracuse! At these events, city residents have learned more about the dangers of lead. They have also brainstormed and voted about potential solutions to increase lead screenings and testing. And this Spring, community members will be able to select how best to spend $150,000 to combat lead in our community.
On March 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Northside Learning Center (501 Park Street, Syracuse), the selection process begins. Community members will view proposal videos, ask questions, and vote upon the proposals.
Incorporating the community-driven solutions offered through the Participatory Budgeting process, PEACE, Inc., Families for Lead Freedom Now, and the Syracuse Community Center Collaborative will train and mobilize residents for community-based campaigns and events. From them, the partnership seeks to increase screenings and testing, public education and awareness, and accountability among policymakers. You can watch the partnership’s video proposal here:
To learn more about this important work and to register for the March 7 event, visit the Central New York Community Foundation website at https://cnycf.org/receive/strategic-initiatives/participatory-budgeting/