SEQUIM — Last week it was announced that the City of Sequim was nominated in two categories for USA TODAY’S 10Best Readers Choice Awards, namely Best Small Town for Shopping and Best Small-Town Cultural Scene.

Last June Sequim had their first-ever Service Fest Neighborhood Revitalization program in Sequim, for which they just received a national Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Award. The award was presented by The Alliance For Innovation in Reno, Nevada last week.

Now Sequim introduces The People’s Project! Described as a Participatory Budgeting process that gives residents the opportunity to have more input into the City’s budget by voting on proposed projects that everyone can enjoy. Voters will get to decide how to spend up to $150,000 in the 2020 budget. The projects range from installing a new, accessible pathway through Pioneer Park to doggy poop stations and drinking stations in the parks and neighborhoods.

The ideas came from neighborhood brainstorm sessions that started back in 2017. Communications and Marketing Director Barbara Hanna says they’ve narrowed the list down to five projects and, in the first week in May, folks will be invited to cast their votes.

The projects to be voted on are:

Pioneer Park Walking Path – Total Cost: $76,000

Festive Holiday Bells – Total Cost:  $50,600

Bigbelly Automated Trash & Recycling Stations – Total Cost:  $130,000

Pet Waste Stations – Total Cost:  $5,500

Water Stations in City Parks – Total Cost:  $62,800

Displays describing each of the projects will be exhibited at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 West Cedar Street.  Voters will be given coupons to cast their votes.

Voting Dates and Times:

Friday, May 3 – 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4 – 9:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Monday, May 6 – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 7 – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Voters are welcome to fill out a Dare to Dream card during the event and make suggestions for future projects.