Celebrating NIDC Participation in “The People’s Money” with CEC NYC (Civic Engagement Commission NYC)

Jessica Toro, NIDC’s Assistant Director of Community Engagement, joined the NYC Civic Engagement Commission (NYC CEC) on August 8th for their TRIE Neighborhood Initiative Celebration at Pier 57.

The festive event included a screenprinting station where attendees could make their very own TRIE tote or tee. For something a little smaller, there was also a button-making station! And of course, there was lots of food and fun music as TRIE partners gathered.

Dr. Sarah Sayeed, Chair and Executive Director of the Civic Engagement Commission (and a Bronx resident!) congratulated the partners for all their efforts in civically engaging their communities with citywide participatory budgeting and educating them on the city budget overall. James Strafford from YMI Speaks and Sideya Sherman, New York City's Chief Equity Officer, also gave remarks about the importance and impact of the TRIE coalition.

As a TRIE partner in this year’s cycle of “The People’s Money,” NIDC held Idea Generation workshops in Fall 2024, where community members suggested local project ideas to be funded by the city budget. Then, in Spring 2025, we helped ensure that any Bronx New Yorker over the age of 11 voted for their favorite ideas! Check out the Bronx Citywide Participatory Budgeting projects that are currently being implemented!

NIDC is looking forward to partnering with the city again this coming year - stay tuned for more details in the Fall.