EXPLORESmart Cities Dive · 4d ago
Participatory budgeting behind bars: Durham, North Carolina, gives incarcerated residents a say
Executive Brief
The 30-second read
Durham, North Carolina, has implemented an award-winning participatory budgeting program that includes input from incarcerated residents regarding municipal spending. The initiative aims to enhance community engagement and social restoration within the county jail system.
- 01Durham invites county jail residents to participate directly in municipal spending decisions
- 02The 2026 Smart Cities Dive Community Project Award recognized the program for innovation
- 03Incarcerated participants report the initiative helps restore their sense of humanity and civic connection
- 04The program integrates marginalized voices into the city's broader community project funding framework
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This 2026 Smart Cities Dive Community Project Award-winning program invites people in the county jail to weigh in on municipal spending. One resident told officials it restored his humanity.