Participatory Budgeting

In 2025, Sanford City Council piloted a cycle of “participatory budgeting” to give residents the ultimate say in which community enhancement project should be funded.

Sanford's Program

The Participatory Budgeting Program in Sanford will fund projects that:

  • benefit the public - meaning they can't benefit one individual 
  • are one-time expenditures - meaning the project can't be something that is ongoing, these funds will only be distributed once 
  • are within City limits - meaning that it must be something within the City, these funds can't be spent on a project that isn't inside Sanford’s city limits 
  • reflect the vision and values set forth in the Strategic Framework for the City of Sanford – the Strategic Framework is evaluated each year and is used as a guide for how City government prioritizes spending and makes decisions.

Sanford City Council works with City staff to determine projects that are practical, accessible, and sustainable, and that will make a positive community impact. The public can submit ideas for consideration. 

What kinds of projects are eligible?

The answer is very open-ended. Potential projects include park equipment, public art projects, neighborhood beautification, and other “public good” projects that cost less than $20,000. See the projects selected for the pilot participatory budgeting cycle.

Participatory budgeting will not be used to fund safety or infrastructure improvements such as paving, sidewalks, street lighting, additional staff, or other needs that are funded through the annual budget process.

What is the process?

Once the potential projects are decided, community members will have two weeks to cast their votes, whether in-person or online. Each person only receives one vote. Ballots with multiple options selected will not be counted.

After voting closes, staff will tabulate votes and announce the winning project. Staff will then work with Sanford City Council to make the project a reality before the end of the fiscal year.

Voting for 2025's cycle has ended. With 521 votes, "Option 1: Concrete Games in City Parks" was the winning project. 

Suggest a project to be considered for the 2026 cycle.