Over the past year, Denver allowed residents to vote on how the city disburses $2 million of capital funds through it's first 'Participatory Budgeting Program.'
There were four different ballots that about 3,000 residents voted in: a citywide, far northeast, east central, and east ballot.
Residents voted to fund nine projects.
One million dollars were available to be disbursed on the citywide ballot and people chose four projects to go toward housing and homelessness.
- $400,000 for wider sidewalks next to a Denver Housing Authority (DHA) site in Athmar Park to be accessible for older adults and people with disabilities.
- $200,000 for up to five new tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness.
- $225,000 for up to three shower trailers for people experiencing homelessness.
- $175,000 for a community garden At Columbine Apartment Homes in Valverde and a renovated garden in Ruby Hill and Baker; all DHA affordable housing sites.
The city took ballots into the community to ensure people of all ages and immigration statuses had the chance to put in a vote.
"We had both physical and digital ballots to try and reach as many folks as we could, and to be as accessible to different types of residents," said Kiki Turner, Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Department of Finance.
The city visited elementary schools, homeless shelters, and jails.
"With that particular event it was kind of closing the loop; we had gone to the jail during the idea collection process as well so we wanted to hear their ideas to begin with," Turner said.
For the city, the program holds a deeper meaning of building trust with residents who don't have the best trust in government.
"This was a way to start building bridges and to start bringing people in so they can understand all of the nuances and logistics it takes to run a city," Turner said. So they can really see themselves in the process and feel ownership over their neighborhood and communities."
Turner said it's good to hear from people who are passionate about their neighborhoods.
"We've got dozens of residents who understand their city better or are excited to work with the city and feel like their voices were heard...that's ultimately what this program was about for us," she said.
Times for all nine projects will vary but are expected to take off in the coming weeks.
All projects residents voted to fund: https://risetogetherdenver.org/hub-page/denverPB
This story is part of a recurring series from our Report for America Reporter Emily Capetillo about housing in Denver. Follow her on Twitter @emilycapetillo or send an email at emilycapetillo@iheartmedia.com. For more information on how to donate to Report for America, contact the KOA News Room at 303-713-8500.