TED: What if you could help decide how the government spends public funds? | Shari Davis

The speaker shares their experience in government, highlighting systemic inequities and the need for change. They introduce participatory budgeting (PB) as a solution, detailing its implementation in Boston and its global impact. Success stories illustrate PB's potential to engage communities and drive systemic change. The speaker calls for wider adoption of PB to renew trust in democracy.

What does the speaker identify as a major flaw in the original design of democracy?

• It was too focused on technology.

• It was too inclusive.

• It only benefited rich white men.

• It was too complex.

What is participatory budgeting primarily about?

• Improving technology.

• Increasing taxes.

• Collective radical imagination.

• Reducing government size.

What was one of the first projects funded by youth in Boston through PB?

• Building new schools.

• Increasing technology access for students.

• Creating new parks.

• Building a new city hall.

What unexpected challenge did the Boston PB project face during park renovations?

• Weather conditions.

• Lack of funding.

• An archaeological site was discovered.

• Community opposition.

Who is Malachi Hernandez?

• A city mayor.

• A young leader involved in PB.

• A government employee.

• A famous artist.

What role did Maria Hadden play in the PB process?

• She was a city mayor.

• She was a technology expert.

• She was a founding board member and later became an alderperson.

• She was a school teacher.

How has participatory budgeting impacted cities globally?

• It has increased taxes.

• It has improved public health and reduced corruption.

• It has decreased public engagement.

• It has led to more government control.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for renewing trust in democracy?

• Maintaining the status quo.

• Building new ways of thinking and working.

• Increasing government size.

• Focusing solely on technology.

What does the speaker quote from Octavia Butler to emphasize change?

• Change is avoidable.

• Change is difficult.

• The only lasting truth is change.

• Change is unnecessary.

What is the speaker's final call to action?

• To reduce community involvement.

• To ignore participatory budgeting.

• To bring participatory budgeting to your community.

• To focus on individual success.