Vote: $1M in Ward Improvements Up to Community

After residents in the 46th ward presented their plans to neighbors, it’s now time to vote on how to spend $1 million in infrastructure improvements in the neighborhood.

It’s all part of Ald. James Cappleman’s (46th) participatory budgeting program, something he launched back in October that lets residents have input on government spending.

Groups were tasked with creating detailed presentations for how to spend the money, with a focus on popular initiatives like community beautification and adding bike-friendly infrastructure improvements.

Groups working on the project presented their proposals in early April in what was described as a “big science fair” at both Uplift High School and the Preston Bradley Center. But now it’s time for citizens to put the ward’s money where its mouth is.

Residents can either vote early between April 27 and May 3 at the 46th ward office at 4544 N. Broadway. Early voting is being held during regular office hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until 7 p.m. on Wednesday and until noon on Friday.

Otherwise, come to Uplift High School at 900 W. Wilson Ave. anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to cast a ballot. Anyone 16 or older in the 46th ward—which covers a large portion of northern Lake View—can cast a vote for their favorite improvement plan, which includes murals, public safety projects, community gardens, bike lanes and more.

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According to ward officials, Ald. Joe Moore of the 49^th Ward in Rogers Park was the first to implement the program where residents decide how to spend their tax dollars.

In years past, the 49^th ward has voted to spend almost $200,000 on new bike lanes, $150,000 on sidewalk repair, and $75,000 to plant more than 100 trees in parks, among other things.

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