The funding, commonly called the ward “menu,” can support projects such as street and alley resurfacing, sidewalk repairs and pedestrian safety improvements. Each alderperson determines how much of the money is allocated through participatory budgeting, in which residents propose or vote on projects, and how much is assigned through other processes.

The differences are substantial. In the 26th Ward, Ald. Jessie Fuentes puts $500,000 toward projects selected by residents. Ald. Ruth Cruz’s office says the 30th Ward also uses participatory budgeting for up to $500,000, reserving the remaining $1 million for previously identified needs and urgent problems.

In the 40th Ward, residents ages 14 and older can vote through Dec. 31 on how to direct $250,000. Options include raised crosswalks, repairs to Warren Park’s sledding hill, playground improvements and a nature play space. Ald. Andre Vasquez has said the process gives neighbors a role in decisions that are often made by alderpeople without public input.

Other wards are preparing their own community processes. In the 48th Ward, Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth held three workshops to gather project ideas, with another scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Residents will vote on projects placed on the ballot. The ward has previously funded playgrounds and murals, including the Senn Nature Play Space.

The 47th Ward plans to let residents decide how to spend $200,000, while staff survey the ward to identify additional repair needs. In the 43rd Ward, Ald. Timmy Knudsen’s office says more than 25 projects that were not scheduled in 2026 will carry over for consideration in 2027; the ward has also committed $100,000 to the South Lincoln Park renovation.

Participatory budgeting is not universal. Ald. Nicole Lee’s 11th Ward did not use the process this year, according to her office. Instead, staff considered street-condition data from the Chicago Department of Transportation, residents’ complaints and the needs of different parts of the ward. This year’s spending includes a security camera at Taylor-Lauridsen Park, as well as benches and sidewalk and alley work.

In the 34th Ward, Ald. Bill Conway’s office says constituent reports and staff observations help identify problems, while city agencies assess project scope and costs. Planned 2027 work includes curb and gutter improvements to manage runoff, sidewalk repairs, an alley reconstruction and resurfacing on Clark and Jefferson streets. Conway has cited flooding and deteriorating pavement among the concerns behind the work.

Ald. Anthony Beale’s 9th Ward, meanwhile, says it prioritizes infrastructure through staff observations, resident feedback and coordination with city departments. The ward’s approach illustrates how the same annual allocation can be directed without a formal public vote.

The range of approaches means residents’ influence over ward spending depends in part on where they live. Supporters of participatory budgeting say it gives neighbors a direct voice in setting priorities and helps them understand the choices involved when public funds are limited.