The Hayward People's Budget
In 2021, the Hayward People’s Budget awarded a total of $350,000 to fund community-generated, community-led projects. Through community voting, residents picked their top 12 proposals for projects they wanted to see in their neighborhoods. Following the results of the votes, City of Hayward's staff have met with project leads to implement their projects' vision in order to increase community connections across Hayward neighborhoods. Listen to our podcast episode for more background on the People's Budget.
Read more about the voting process and project updates below.
Learn more about the voting process
Project Manager
Mary Thomas, Assistant to the City Manager | Mary.Thomas@hayward-ca.gov | (510) 583-4227
Project Updates
The Hayward Night Market is coming to South Hayward on September 30th from 4-9PM! Come hungry to this lively evening event that will have a line-up of food vendors in addition to live entertainment, a pumpkin patch, local vendors and activities for the entire family. This event will be hosted at 27200 Calaroga Ave. next to the St. Rose Hospital parking lot.
Through a grant match opportunity, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) is utilizing the People's Budget funds to design and implement a new play structure at Palma Ceia Park. November of 2022, HARD and the City of Hayward held a community outreach event to engage residents around Palma Ceia Park and gathered feedback on the initial draft for the new play structure. Over several community meetings, HARD will incorporate feedback to finalize the play structure's design by the end of Summer 2023 and construction should be completed by Summer 2024.
This project is complete! On Saturday, August 5th from 5-10PM, Cumbia in Hayward: A Day of Bonzanza had a day full of music, drinks & snacks, raffles, and dance at Eden Youth & Family Center. Along with this event, Eden Youth and Family hosted a backpack giveaway from 5-7PM.
Avanta Boot Labs, the project lead for Roller and Inline Skating Event project, finished production of half of their Hayward themed roller and inline skates in April 2023. A portion of their Hayward themed skates were donated to the community during a community skating event on July 1st, 2023 at Weekes Park. The free roller skating and music event included free roller skate rentals, live music and DJ, a Brazilian Samba band, and car show. The remaining rollerskates will be raffled off to the community in December 2023!
StackFest is a monthly festival that will promote live music from local artists, cuisine from local restaurants, and a shifting central theme that emphasizes social justice and/or cultural celebration. StackFest hosted three events at Chabot College during Summer 2023 with music, food, and local business vendors. They plan to host more events in 2024. Learn more at StackFest and @stackfest.us on Instagram.
This project is complete! Project reFRESH is a resident-led 8-week summer camp program focused on the well-being and joy of teen girls ages 14-17. Project reFRESH is wrapping up their summer camp which included a 3-night camping trip, peer mentoring, wellness and check-in sessions.
This project is complete! English and Math Tutoring for ESL Students kicked off at the end of September 2022 at Schafer Park Elementary. The project lead, El Puente Comunitario, originally expected around 70 students, but had an overwhelming interest with over 140 students seeking participation in their programming. Students attending the after-school program saw a jump in their grades and test scores and were more motivated to attend school thanks to El Puente Comunitario's great programming. While this People's Budget project was complete in mid-January of 2023, El Puente Comunitario secured future funding from HUSD to continue offering these vital services at Schafer Park Elementary!
Project details coming soon.
Project details coming soon.
Project details coming soon.
August of 2022, Hazel Garden Community Connect hosted a world food competition along with a potluck and delicious barbeque for National Night Out. The neighborhood event brought together around 80 attendees to share food and conversation. The Hazel Garden Community Connect project will move forward in partnership with ForestR.org and the City of Hayward to make improvements to the park and upgrades that include setting up a community event kit and building a dog run area.
This project is complete! Sun Gallery and the Hayward Techies & Maker Club partnered up to create the Makerspace at Sun Gallery’s Art Studio. The Makerspace will provides community access to DIY-focused technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, LED electronics, and other tools to design and create art of all types. In addition to the Makerspace, this project upgraded the outdoor courtyard into a café, stage area, and workshop. To commemorate this project, Sun Gallery hosted a ribbon cutting for the Makerspace and Art Meets Tech reception opening on August 12th with art demonstrations, a taco truck, snacks and beverages, special coffee, and music. Visit the Sun Gallery's new renovations and art installation at 1015 E Street, Hayward.
