Access to participatory budgeting now available via Link kiosks

Participatory budgeting just got easier for some.

The New York City Council together with the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) and LinkNYC announced on Monday, April 9 the launch citywide of participatory budgeting on Link kiosks – the first-of-its-kind communications network which replaced city payphones and offered free Wi-Fi starting in early 2016.

Through participatory budgeting, New Yorkers in participating City Council districts can now decide how to spend $1 million of the public budget. Community members can propose and vote on projects like improvements to schools, parks, libraries and more, via the Link system.

“LinkNYC once again demonstrates that technology is a powerful tool for public good,” said Samir Saini, commissioner of DoITT. “We’re honored to work with the Council to put democracy at New Yorkers’ fingertips. This year, more than 1,500 Link kiosks present that many more opportunities for residents to vote for the neighborhood projects that matter the most to them. I look forward to introducing New Yorkers to even more ways the Link platform can be used to foster civic innovation within our great city.”

“With Participatory Budgeting, Link is helping to bring the democratic process to the streets,” agreed Jen Hensley, president of Link. “We always envisioned Link as a platform for civic engagement and are thrilled to support the City Council’s Participatory Budgeting efforts this year, providing another way for New Yorkers to vote for projects that will directly improve their quality of life.”

More than 1,700 Links are installed across the five boroughs, with thousands more coming over the next few years. Participatory budget voting is open now through Sunday, April 15.

To find a Link near you, visit https://www.link.nyc/find-a-link.html.

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