Participatory Budgeting in the 26th Ward

Every year, each Alderperson receives $1.5 million for ward infrastructure improvements called a “Menu.” This is one of the few sources of funding made available to Alderpeople to repave streets, resurface alleys, and make critically needed infrastructure improvements.

In the 26th Ward, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes empowers residents to decide how to spend $500,000 in improving their neighborhood – whether it be fixing specific curbs, resurfacing certain streets, or installing art murals – through participatory budgeting (PB).

Please note: PB DOES NOT include routine repairs like filing potholes, graffiti removal, or requesting a new garbage cart. Click here to request routine repairs and city services.

Submit a PB Idea

 FAQs

  • Check out these zines that explain the impact of participatory democracy!

  • To submit an infrastructure idea for our 2027 Menu, COMPLETE THIS FORM or call our office before September 30, 2026.

  • 2027 Menu Timeline:

    • Phase 1 - Idea Collection: Due September 30, 2026

    • Phase 2 - Proposal Development: October

    • Phase 3 - Voting: December

    • Phase 4 - Project Implementation: 2027

    • The idea must be a “capital improvement,” e.g. bricks, cement, asphalt, and steel.

      • PB money CANNOT be used to purchase equipment or hire staff.

    • The idea must be for public property - city streets, sidewalks, alleys, public parks, or public schools.

    • The idea must be in the 26th Ward.

    • The idea must include at least 2 photos.

  • The 26th Ward Office collects infrastructure improvement ideas from residents via an online form, during community walks, and over the phone. Ideas are reviewed internally for need, cost, and feasibility.

    Residents vote for their preferred infrastructure investments. Winning projects are typically implemented in the spring, summer, and fall, depending on the scope of the project.

  • Residents of the 26th Ward who are over 14 years-old may vote.

    Voting will take place at the Ward office at 2511 W Division, at 26th Ward public events, and online. Residents will be asked to verify their address and age.

  • Voting for the 2027 Menu will open December 2026.

  • In 2024, 26th Ward Summer Youth Interns collaborated with Thea Crum of UIC Great Cities Institute to design the rules and procedures for this process.

    Thank you to the many dedicated employees of the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Department of Transportation for their expertise. Extra gratitude to the PB Chicago City-Wide Steering Committee for their experience and guidance in the process.

A black and white illustration of a nightclub scene with a DJ, dancing crowd, and colorful lights.

Congratulations to the 2026 Participatory Budgeting Participants

A sign indicating a contest winner for the 2026 Participatory Budgeting project, specifically for the Stowe Elementary outdoor play area, with some hands holding completed voting sheets and a background of an outdoor park or playground.
View all of the 2026 ballot submissions

  • 2,499 points

  • 760 points

  • 585 points

  • 533 points

  • 498 points

  • 475 points

  • 450 points

  • 412 points

  • 412 points

  • 390 points

  • 295 points

  • 194 points

A hand-drawn light bulb with a dollar sign inside, symbolizing ideas related to money or financial innovation.
Flyer for Moos schoolyard planning meeting featuring an aerial view of a new playground and outdoor space, with green text invitation for parents and community members to share ideas on October 23, 2025, from 3 to 4 pm at Moosaic Cafe, and an example of a schoolyard labelled 'Griessom Elementary'.
A small roundabout with a landscaped island in the center, surrounded by roads and residential buildings, with trees and bushes around the island.
A young man shovels mulch into a large container in an outdoor urban park, with trees and apartment buildings in the background, on a cloudy day.
Group of people of various ages and ethnicities gathered outdoors in front of a colorful mural with a mural phrase in Spanish. People are smiling and waving, some are seated while others stand. The scene depicts a lively community gathering under a sunny sky, with trees and a utility pole in the background.

Congratulations to the 2025 Participatory Budgeting Participants

Package 3: Public School Improvements - 384 votes
Moos Artificial Turf and Playground Improvement

  • 2026 Update: Moos was awarded the Space to Grow grant and will be reallocating the participatory budgeting to another school in the community.

Package 4: Pedestrian Safety Infrastructure - 274 votes
No parking signs at 1918 N Central Park
Roundabout signage at Washtenaw and Wabansia
Roundabout signage at Talman and Wabansia
Roundabout signage at Rockwell and Wabansia
Pedestrian Safety Enhancements at Potomac & Central Park

  • 2026 Update: Per CDOT traffic study suggestions, pedestrian safety updates will be installed next spring at Potomac and Central Park. Traffic circle signage has also been updated.

Package 1: Park Improvements - 273 votes
Maple Park Turf Upgrades

  • 2026 Update: Partnering with Chicago Park District, we were able to provide some upgrades for Earth Day. We will continue to provide upgrades.

Package 2: Public Art and Public Space - 240 votes
Mural on Viaduct at Potomac & Central Park
Mozart Park Public Art