The next two weeks are a critical time in the city’s budget process. The City Council is currently holding hearings on the Mayor’s Executive Budget, and it’s your last chance to talk to your elected officials before the budget is finalized. We encourage everyone to reach out to their council member ASAP and make sure they know what you think should be in the parks budget. 

If you don’t know who your council member is or how to get a hold of them, visit the City Council website. Send them an email, or call their district office and ask to speak with the Director of Constituent Services.

Our Boro X Boro At-A-Glance one page report shows the key takeaways from our NY4P: Boro x Boro meetings with over 190 community groups and individuals representing all corners of the city. It articulates a vision of what’s important to New York park advocates. One concern came up in every location, and it underpins the success of many of the goals laid out by advocates: lack of adequate funding for parks maintenance and operations. 

If you see your concerns about your local open spaces reflected in these findings, you can reference it when speaking with your elected officials as evidence that your issue isn’t affecting only your park – it’s a concern across the city. 

For example, if your community needs more health programming in your local park, you can show your elected officials that communities across the city want the same thing. It’s easier to make the case for increased funding when you have evidence that it can benefit the entire city. 

Are you new to parks advocacy and want to learn more? Check out our advocacy resources and find out how to get involved. To learn more about the city budget process, check out How to Influence the City Budget. (Please note – this article is from 2017 and the dates have changed; however, the overall process is the same year after year.)