BUDGET DE LA GENTE
Shifting power away from the hands of the few to the hands of the many
Cycle 4 officially launches end of January 2026!
↡You can submit a project idea now ↡
What is Participatory Budgeting?
Participatory Budgeting (PB), also called Budget de la Gente, is a democratic process that gives Ward 1 residents real decision-making power. Instead of budget decisions being made behind closed doors, community members decide how a portion of our budget is spent.
This year, Ward 1 has $200,000 available for PB projects.
We will be awarding $10,000 grants, allowing multiple community projects to be funded across different neighborhoods and themes.
Area breakdown
¿Qué es el Presupuesto Participativo?
El Presupuesto Participativo (PB), también llamado Budget de la Gente, es un proceso democrático que les da a los residentes de Ward 1 un poder real de decisión. En lugar de que las decisiones presupuestarias se tomen a puerta cerrada, la comunidad decide cómo se utiliza una parte de nuestro presupuesto.
Este año, Ward 1 tiene $200,000 disponibles para proyectos del PB.
Otorgaremos subvenciones de $10,000, lo que permitirá financiar múltiples proyectos comunitarios en distintos vecindarios y temas.
Project Focus Areas
ARTS & CULTURA
Visual and multimedia art projects, including murals, sculpture, performances, film, street art, and community festivals.
YOUTH INVESTMENT
Youth-led projects such as youth training and support networks, support for youth gathering spaces and activation, and youth organized neighborhood projects.
SUSTAINABILITY
BEAUTIFICATION
Neighborhood greening projects like small-scale GSI, tree planting, gardens, restoration, invasive species management, and park improvements.
MOBILITY JUSTICE
Pedestrian-focused projects such as bike/ped events, mobility equipment, education, transportation mapping, and neighborhood walkway improvements.
COMMUNITY
COHESION
Neighborhood support projects like mutual aid for seniors, unsheltered individuals, single parents, and veterans, plus free inclusive community events.
Example Winning Project Ideas
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This project strengthened intergenerational connections by having youth interview elders to document and share community stories and traditions from San Juan’s Day.
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This project will install colorful painted planters with native drought-resistant plants along Mission Road and conclude with a community event for residents to help paint, plant, and clean the area.
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Mini Poderosas empowers Tucson girls ages 8–18 through workshops that build confidence, leadership, and self-awareness while supporting their mental and physical well-being and strengthening the families and environments that nurture them.
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This project will provide pedal-assist tricycles and senior-focused ride options to ensure older adults can safely and comfortably participate in FUGA’s mobility, bike commuter, and community-building initiatives.
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In partnership with the Downtown Tucson Lions Club, Ward 1 will allocate funding to offer glasses to eligible residents for just $10, ensuring affordable vision care access.
Budget de la Gente Timeline
↡ We are here ↡
January-March 2026
March-April 2026
April-May 2026
Summer ‘26-Summer ‘27
FAQs
Who can participate?
Anyone who lives, works or learns in Ward 1.
What types of projects are eligible?
Any project that benefits the community within Ward 1 and has a lead person involved in following through on the project should it be selected for funding. We ask that it is within one of our focus areas—Arts & Cultura, Mobility Justice, Youth Investment, Community Cohesion, or Sustainability & Beautification.
How can I get involved?
You can submit your own idea, be a Proposal Captain that helps refine community ideas, vote during the voting timeframe or tell your friends/family/co-workers about Budget de la Gente.
This process is ran BY the people, so any involvement keeps programs like these going. If you want more information to get involved email the Ward 1 staff lead, Giselle Taylor, at giselle.taylor@tucsonaz.gov.
Guidebook/La Guía
Cycle 1 and how it works
This guidebook set the guidelines for the first participatory budgeting cycle that ran from February to May 2023. It is a living document that is in the process of being updated to help community members, participants, and other stakeholders participate equitably and make informed decisions throughout the process.
