Vallejo Approves First City-Wide Participatory Budgeting Process in US

The City Council of Vallejo, California, approved the first city-wide Participatory Budgeting process in the US this week. Residents will directly decide how to spend around $3 million from new sales tax revenue.

1 minute read

April 20, 2012, 8:00 AM PDT

By Anonymous (not verified)


The council voted 4-3 to launch a process known as "participatory budgeting," setting aside 30 percent of revenue collected from a sales tax hike initiative voters passed in November, reports Jessica A. York.

Under City Charter provisions, public-proposed uses for the estimated $9.5 million a year ultimately will require council approval.

"I think that there's been a number of times in the very recent past in the city where we have not always spent money in the public interest," Council member Marti Brown said.

"There's a lot of different opinions out there." said Council member Stephanie Gomes, "And because we didn't have a special tax, because this is general, we need to hear from the constituents (with participatory budgeting.)"

Mayor Osby Davis, joined by Council members Hermie Sunga and Erin Hannigan in opposing the participatory budgeting process, said the city would be better placed to undertake participatory budgeting in the future.

Thanks to Josh Lerner

Thursday, April 19, 2012 in Times Herald

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing