At this virtual panel, we will were privileged to hear from Cheryl Branch, an esteemed community leader with a wealth of experience in implementing participatory budgeting in Black communities in Los Angeles.
She played a key community leader role in implementing LA REPAIR, the City of Los Angeles’s first PB pilot program completed in 2024. Cheryl shared her insights and experience with the PB process, illustrating how PB can empower individuals and foster meaningful engagement in decision-making processes.This democratic process aligned well with the goals of her organization:
“It had the trifecta of three things. We were able to address racial equity. We were able to address place-based issues that only certain neighborhoods – in our [neighborhoods] that we cared about. And we were able to prioritize keeping the community in the center…helping them to become more publicly skilled leaders.”
Her unique perspective shed light on the challenges and opportunities marginalized communities face, particularly in the context of budgeting and resource allocation. For her, PB offered a way to provide agency and healing:
“Through this civic engagement, using PB and democracy, raising people’s awareness…we are able to help ordinary people, right? When they are [able] to be the center of money decisions in their community, in their school community, and their work community and their transportation community. It could be your food systems, it could be your art and culture. This is what we have been able to do to help people address this trauma.”
This discussion was enlightening and motivating! It was a vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences, and visions for a more inclusive future. Attendees had the chance to ask Cheryl questions and explore how her strategies can inspire similar initiatives in California and beyond.
As we gather to build solidarity and grow the movement for justice and participatory democracy, we also want to remind you that applications for the PB Seeds California program are open until February 15th.
Are you ready to bring PB to your community? This special training cohort series is crucial to growing PB across our state and ensuring that voices from all communities are heard and valued, especially those who are marginalized. Find out more and apply today on our program webpage.
We’re seeding participatory budgeting across California! Watch the replay above and share with your networks. We look forward to growing democracy with you across California.
