As we head into December, there is so much to be thankful for in this festive season of light, although now tinged with the anxiety and uncertainty brought about by an unyielding virus and the need to remain ever vigilant in our mask wearing, testing and vaccination efforts. We’re keeping a sharp eye on the developing news about the Omicron variant, as I’m sure you are too, and masking up as we wait for more information about how it may impact daily life in NYC.

As our City prepares for a new influx of federal infrastructure funding, transitions over to new local leaders, and grapples with so much uncertainty, it couldn’t be a better time to come together as a community to talk about investing in the future of our neighborhoods. 

On that front, I wanted to invite you to some upcoming events and to participate in the participatory budgeting process in District 39. Next Thursday, I’ll be hosting a conversation with Senator Chuck Schumer on the impact of federal infrastructure spending in NYC, and how we ensure that those public dollars are spent wisely in ways that create good jobs, get projects done efficiently, and prepare our city for a more resilient and sustainable future. Also in the coming weeks we’ll be hosting our Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assembly, and the PB Youth Committee will be meeting for the first time to discuss ideas for investments in District 39. More details and sign up information below.

Ideas are rolling in now on our new Participatory Budgeting website, reminding us of the treasures we have in District 39 and how we can keep them safe and resilient for years to come. How about eradicating Prospect Park’s invasive mosquitoes? Discontinuing the Caton Avenue truck route? New lights and turf for the Parade Grounds fields or a proposal for a new Park Slope Plaza? These are just a few of the ideas that have already been posted on the new District 39 participatory budgeting website. 

So if you have not already done so, please visit the site where you can suggest any ideas you have for community improvements, view, comment on, or like other proposals, learn more about PB and see the timeline for Cycle 11. And if you have already checked it out, please keep visiting to see new proposals and updates on where we are in the process, as well as volunteer to help sort through the proposals and build the ballot for vote week in the spring. A big thank you to those folks who have already signed up -- we will be in touch soon!

Upcoming events: 

What the Infrastructure Bill Means for NYC: A Zoom Town Hall With Senator Schumer and Comptroller-Elect Lander, Thursday December 9, 6:30 PM: 
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has the potential to reshape NYC for the better, with investments in the transportation, resiliency, and internet infrastructure our neighborhoods will need for years to come. But how that new federal funding gets spent, which projects are prioritized, what kinds of jobs are created, and how quickly they move forward will really matter. Join Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and NYC Comptroller-elect Brad Lander for a conversation on what the infrastructure money means for NYC and how federal and local officials can collaborate on implementation to ensure that infrastructure dollars deliver what our communities need for the future. Register here: https://bit.ly/InfrastructureforNYC

PB Idea Collection Pop Up, Sunday December 5, 10 AM-4 PM: Come meet our amazing PB volunteers this Sunday at the Park Slope Farmers Market on 4th St./5th Ave. to learn more about PB, sign up as a volunteer, and offer your best ideas for the programs and projects that our communities need.

PB Youth Committee Zoom Meeting, Monday December 6 at 6 PM: For students interested in being part of making decisions about funding for projects in our parks, schools and communities, our PB Youth Committee would love to see you at 6 PM on 12/6 for the first meeting of the year! Bring your friends! There will be a discussion about plans for the year and the future of the committee. A zoom link will be shared before the meeting. Please fill out this form to register, even if you can't make it.

Neighborhood Participatory Budgeting Assembly, Thursday December 16 at 7 PM: Join our District Committee and PB volunteers for a Zoom PB Neighborhood Assembly. We will discuss the participatory budgeting process and the new PB platform, learn about volunteer opportunities, and move into breakout rooms for some intensive idea brainstorming. Zoom link: https://bit.ly/PBNeighborhoodAssembly

I hope to see you at one of these upcoming events on our collective recovery and the future of our neighborhoods.

Brad