The City of San Marcos has launched a new initiative called Participatory Budgeting, allowing residents to determine how to allocate **$200,000** of city funds for community projects. This program, supported by the City Council, aims to foster community engagement and ensure that local investment aligns with the priorities of residents. The initiative is set to commence on **February 1, 2026**.
Participatory Budgeting is a collaborative process that empowers residents to propose project ideas, develop proposals, and ultimately vote on which initiatives should receive funding. According to **Grisell Pérez-Carey**, the Community Support and Resource Navigation Manager, “The initiative expands opportunities for residents to participate directly in local funding decisions and community investment priorities.” She emphasized the importance of inclusivity, urging all members of the community to contribute their ideas and participate in the decision-making process.
Phases of the Initiative
The Participatory Budgeting process will unfold over several months, divided into distinct phases beginning with **Idea Collection** in **February 2026**. During this phase, residents can submit project proposals that enhance the community, with a total funding cap of **$200,000**. Ideas can be submitted online or through paper forms available at various locations, including:
– City Hall, 630 E Hopkins St.
– San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St.
– Utility Billing Office, 1040 TX-123
Following the idea collection phase, the **Project Development** phase will take place in **April 2026**. Community volunteers will collaborate with city staff to review the submissions and formulate viable project proposals that meet the established criteria.
In **May 2026**, residents will participate in the **Community Voting** phase. This will give them the chance to vote on the final project proposals. Voting will be accessible both online and in person at designated locations and events, ensuring broad participation.
Finally, the **Winning Projects** will be announced in **June 2026**. Successful projects will be publicly revealed via social media and on the official City of San Marcos website. These projects must adhere to guidelines, including being one-time capital expenditures, publicly accessible, and feasible within the allocated budget. The winning initiatives will then be integrated into the city’s budget and executed by the relevant city departments.
Community involvement is essential to the success of this initiative. San Marcos residents are encouraged to engage in the process by submitting ideas, volunteering for project development, or casting their votes on the proposals they believe will best serve the community’s interests. For further details about the Participatory Budgeting process, including how to get involved and key dates, residents can visit sanmarcostx.gov/participatorybudgeting.
