What is Participatory Budgeting? Participatory budgeting refers to any democratic process that gives residents the authority to make decisions about how to spend public funds that are traditionally reserved for elected authorities and their subordinates. This binding decision-making authority distinguishes it from other practices for public participation in budgeting, like advisory groups and public forums. There is no “official” or legal definition of participatory budgeting.
We’re excited to announce a major milestone in our research program!
City Club’s Participatory Budgeting Study Committee has completed its report, and the Research Board and Board of Governors have voted to advance it for membership approval.
The committee was initially charged to review a proposed ballot measure in 2024 and make a voting recommendation. After the measure was withdrawn, their charge expanded to produce a comprehensive study that would give our members and local leaders a full view of participatory budgeting’s potential role in Portland’s future. Their report, Participatory Budgeting for Portland, addresses key questions about the purpose and goals of this practice, its structure and process, and whether it should be adopted, along with the conditions and guidelines for implementation.
If approved by members, the report’s recommendation—that a carefully designed PB pilot program is appropriate for Portland—would become City Club’s official position.
What’s next?
- Review the Report – Find it here.
- Attend the Briefing & Q&A – Join us April 22 for an in-person briefing and discussion with the Study Committee. The briefing will also be live streamed and recorded on Zoom. The purpose of the event is to help members prepare to vote on whether to adopt the report’s recommendation, but it is open to the public.
- Vote – After the briefing, City Club members will receive an electronic ballot with one question, asking them to approve or reject the report.
If you have questions as you read the report, please send them to us by email to info@pdxcityclub.org, and we’ll pass them along to the committee as they prepare their presentation.
What’s next?
City Club’s research is conducted by our members—dedicated volunteers who commit 10 to 15 months to interviewing witnesses, collecting background information, outlining a report, writing, and editing.
This study, conducted from May 2024 to March 2025, was led by:
- Hank Schottland, Chair
- Phil Wagar, Lead Writer
- Ann Lehman, Frankline Muthomi, and Francie Royce
A big thank you to our PB Study Committee, and congratulations again on completing this comprehensive report for review by fellow members. Participation in research is one of the most impactful ways members can contribute to City Club’s mission of providing objective information and encouraging solutions to public problems.
Now, we hope you’ll engage with your peers’ work—read the report, RSVP to the briefing, and get prepared to vote!