Shape the Future of Waco with Participatory Budgeting
Use your voice to determine how the City of Waco uses funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. In response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this act is providing direct relief to citizens and local governments. The City of Waco is receiving $34.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and is planning to spend $17 million to assist local businesses and households.
All members of the Waco community are invited to take an active approach to this decision through the Balancing Act Tool. This budgeting simulation allows you to allocate the $17 million to various categories of funding set aside for these purposes. You can also add in your suggestions if you do not see an area of interest in the simulator.
The City of Waco is planning to use $15 million of the $34.7 million for municipal purposes including improvements to infrastructure for water, wastewater, stormwater or broadband services that will help support sustainability. The final $2 million of funding will serve as a fund to provide flexibility over the period the funds are available to meet whatever needs arise from the changing economic and public health environment brought on by the pandemic. Other priorities for Waco’s budget consist of building a high performing government by restoring reduced revenues and creating a culture of equity and inclusion through community service programs.
“The Balancing Act Tool is a simple way for me to make my voice heard in the City of Waco,” Waco resident Madeleine said. “I’m glad to live in a city that values my opinion when it comes to funding what matters most to our community.”
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in the budgeting of your city.