People's Budget Review Unhappy with Mayor's Budget

The People's Budget Review, a community activist group formed in 2012, held a press conference Thursday to voice its displeasure with Mayor Bill Foster's proposed fiscal year 2014 budget. 

Members of the group said the city needs to amend the budget to include more funding for youth unemployment, provide funding for the 2020 plan and new sustainable community projects.

"In each case, the city has already expressed official support for the projects and programs at issue at various times in the past, but is not at this time providing notable financial support," according to People's Budget Review documents. "That is, none of these three proposals are slated for funding in the Mayor’s proposed budget. However, we strongly believe they should be."

The People's Budget Review said that funding for those areas should be $450,000: 

“This exciting project represents real hope to St. Petersburg residents that are struggling," said Jodi Davis, President of Greater Pinellas Point Neighborhood Association, in a news release. "Some need jobs, youth need more resources, business development and revitalization is critically needed in South St. Petersburg, and poverty must be confronted in a relevant way. The People’s Budget Review proposals offer all that and a bag of chips.”  

Public hearings for the proposed 2014 budget are Sept. 12 and 26. 

For more information about the People's Budget Review, visit peoplesbudgetreview.org.