Participatory Budget Process Will Not Be Implemented For FY22

The Amherst Home Rule Charter Section 10.11 mandates the formation of a Commission to propose “a measure to adopt participatory budgeting or other similar method of resident participation in the budgeting process of Amherst.” The Commission was to have presented their report to the Town Council by December 1, 2020, but because of COVID precautions, they were unable to meet for several months and received an extension to June1, 2021.

The Commission conducted interviews with Town staff and committee members to determine effective means for residents to have input into the Town’s budgetary process. But with the uncertainty of the post pandemic budget, it is reluctant to propose a detailed program at this time. On June 1, the Commission will report their findings on what constitutes meaningful input into the budgetary process and some specific suggestions on how to promote public input into how the Town spends its money. They hope the Town will continue to work toward a “robust participatory budgeting program” in the near future.

Members of the Participatory Budgeting Commission are: Meg Gage, Chair, Holly Bowser (ex Officio), John Fenske, Elizabeth Larson, Jonathan McCabe, John Page, and Councilor Cathy Schoen (District 1)