The People's Money (2024-2025)

What are Borough Assemblies?

During The People's Money Idea Generation sessions, thousands of ideas are shared by community members on how to address pressing issues. To review and evaluate the ideas, The Civic Engagement Commission convenes New Yorkers representing the diversity of each NYC borough into Borough Assemblies.

Borough Assemblies are composed of up to 25 residents per borough. Assembly members meet for six sessions to deliberate on the ideas submitted, prioritize projects that address the needs of the borough residents, and identify the final ideas to be placed on the borough ballots.

Who can be a Borough Assembly Member?

Anybody resident of NYC, regardless of immigration or incarceration status, can apply to be a borough assembly member (minors require parental approval if selected).

How do members get selected?

Borough Assembly members are New York City residents who are selected through a random selection process to be representative of the diversity of each borough. Demographics considered are Age, Race, Ethnicity, Gender Identity, and Education.

(image caption: Borough Assembly Breakdown - see content below)

Borough Assembly Session Breakdown

Session 1

In this session Assembly Members will get to know each other by engaging in activities where they will learn how they make decisions and be introduced to participatory budgeting. This is the first opportunity where they will see the ideas suggested by New Yorkers.

Session 2

In this session all Borough Assemblies get together and hear from city agencies about their areas of expertise and as well as learn more about deliberative democracy.

Session 3

This session Assembly Members go back to their respective boroughs and are presented their specific Community Profiles to learn about the needs of our high-priority neighborhoods throughout the borough. Once reviewed, Assembly Members begin the first round of selecting ideas for the final ballot.

Session 4

This session members are introduced to Community-Based Organizations that provide services in the high-priority neighborhoods. They discuss community needs and are able to ask them questions. Assembly Members continue to narrow down ideas for the final ballot.

Session 5

In this session Assembly Members map out the identified ideas by population and impact area to ensure that neighborhoods are treated equitably. They discuss community needs and establish the semi-final ideas for the ballot.

Session 6

In the final session, all members work together to share ideas and discuss which ideas they feel would have the biggest impact in the boroughs. After discussing, they come to a group consensus on the top 10 ideas for their borough’s ballot.