CITY OF SAN MARCOS
SM residents to determine how $200,000 of city funds will be spent
The City of San Marcos is introducing Participatory Budgeting, a new initiative supported by City Council which provides residents with an opportunity to determine how $200,000 of city funds will be spent on community projects. The initiative begins on Feb. 1.
Participatory Budgeting is a collaborative, community-driven process that allows residents to propose ideas, help develop project proposals, and vote on which projects should receive funding.
“The initiative expands opportunities for residents to participate directly in local funding decisions and community investment priorities,” said Community Support and Resource Navigation Manager Grisell Pérez-Carey. “We want residents from all parts of our community to feel encouraged to participate, share their ideas, and help decide what investments can make the greatest impact.”
The process will take place over several months and will include the following phases:
Idea Collection – February 2026
Residents are invited to submit project ideas, up to $200,000, that enhance San Marcos and sign up to volunteer to create project proposals. Ideas may be submitted online or in person through paper forms available at the following locations and at select community events: - City Hall, 630 E Hopkins St.
- San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St.
- Utility Billing Office, 1040 TX-123
Project Development – April 2026 Community volunteers will work alongside city staff to review submissions and develop feasible project proposals.
Community Voting – May 2026 Residents will have the opportunity to vote on the final project proposals. Voting will be available both online and in person at designated locations and events.
Winning Projects – June 2026 Winning projects are announced on social media and the official City of San Marcos website and funded.
Eligible projects must be one-time, capital expenditures that are open to the public, accessible, and feasible within the available funding. Winning projects will be included in the city’s budget and implemented by appropriate city departments.
All members of the San Marcos community are encouraged to participate — whether by submitting ideas, volunteering to help develop proposals, or voting on the projects they believe will best serve the community.
For more information about the Participatory Budgeting process, how to get involved, and key dates, visit sanmarcostx. gov/participatorybudgeting
