The Central New York Community Foundation will launch the third of five participatory budgeting initiatives across its service area this August, inviting Cortland County residents to help decide how $75,000 will be invested in their community.
The initiative marks the beginning of the Community Foundation’s two-year celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2027. As part of the centennial effort, the Community Foundation is hosting participatory budgeting projects in each of the five counties it serves, awarding a total of $500,000 in funding determined directly by residents.
Participatory budgeting is a community engagement process in which residents work together to identify local needs, develop project ideas and vote on how funding should be allocated. Throughout the month of August, Cortland County residents will meet to brainstorm ideas, hear from county and city officials and collaborate to turn community priorities into feasible project proposals. At the end of the process, residents will vote online for the proposal they believe will best serve their community.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to listening to residents and investing in ideas that come directly from the communities we serve,” said Melanie Littlejohn, president & CEO of the Community Foundation. “As we approach our centennial, participatory budgeting is one way we are celebrating our history while empowering residents to help shape the future of Central New York.”
The Cortland County process will take place over four sessions during August. The first two sessions will be held Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Truxton Academy located at 6337 Academy Street, Truxton. During these sessions, residents will learn about the participatory budgeting process, share ideas and begin developing project proposals. Residents can register to attend the sessions at cnycf.org/CortlandPB.
A proposal presentation night will be held Wednesday, August 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn about the proposals before voting begins.
Voting will take place Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents may vote online for the project they believe best serves the community’s needs. An in-person gathering will also take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Center for the Arts, Homer at 72 South Main Street, Homer.
The participatory budgeting initiative is designed to ensure that funding priorities are determined by residents themselves. Participants will work with nonprofit organizations, grassroots groups and local leaders to identify a priority need, co-design potential solutions and develop proposals that address community needs. Residents will ultimately decide which project receives funding.
Participatory projects were completed this spring in Oswego and Madison counties; the Community Foundation will host them in Cayuga County in September and Onondaga County in 2027.
Residents who need transportation assistance may reach out mobility@cortlandcountyny.gov or 607-756-3416. For additional questions about the program, contact Kate Downes, program manager, at 315.883.5569 or kdownes@cnycf.org.
