Matthew Slaats

Bringing participatory budgeting to VA, building a solidarity economy, wrapping up a PhD on grassroots social change, and in between watching a little Arsenal.

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

News!! the @rva_pb idea response count as of 2pm is over 1348. You have until the end of the day today to get your idea in. @JeromeLegions @bozatwork @andreasrva @kristenRVA @Stephanie4RVA @CynthiaNewbille @ellenrva @district9nicole @KatherineJRVA @AnnCan2024 #revatrammel

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

402 - @rva_pb just broke the 400 online response line. Then add 800+ in-person response, we are killing it. We may just beat Boston's number - 1200. Gotta brag on this amazing team, commission, partners, and City Council for doing real engagement that Richmond residents deserve.

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

Lines are strong at city hall in Richmond. Just remember that voting is only one way of participating in democracy. Check out https://t.co/9Z9zdoaqnF for other ways to have your voice heard.

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

Also here is a great video the @TheAtlantic did about pb in NYC - https://t.co/nXmHprhQv5

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

If you want to learn more about @rva_pb check out the AMA we are doing on Reddit from 11-3. I'll be on with two amazing commission members to respond to questions and hear the #communityvision for how to make Richmond neighborhoods better. https://t.co/ue7qKrGKXk

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

If you haven't heard about the Richmond People's Budget - Check out https://t.co/qoZdvnYza1 Its the first full participatory budgeting process in Virginia. Supported by City Council, designed by residents, made successful by the community.

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

@bozatwork Was talking to @Boenau about this. Should it be a #rvapb project?

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

If you wanna support communities impacted by Helene, do it thru orgs that center those communities. https://t.co/xumLym2Cf7

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

Yep did this on Tuesday. Grateful to a lot of people. City council, an amazing Comission of residents, and now thoughts living in #Richmond. https://t.co/dQekzjOu67

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

This is it. @rva_pb Kick Off!!! Next Week. Tuesday 1pm at Abner Clay Park in Jackson Ward. https://t.co/9Z9zdoaqnF

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

On Labor Day, I thought it would be a great idea to start a worker coop development center for VA. #therighttomeaningfulwork Actually, it’s been in the works for a while. The website just went live. https://t.co/4FZLNv5loh

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

@ShantellBingham Senior civic innovation manager with Richmond city council. Where are you now???

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

Thinking about trust especially in this new role. What allows it to happen? How it connects people. How it can be hard to get & easy to lose. How distrust has become a centering point in relationships. Lots of thoughts in the context of Richmond, which deserves more trust.

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

H

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

Hanging out with @brothermanifest at the Happy Natural Festival. Talking to the community about their vision for Richmond (#notrva). Ideas have included anti gentrification efforts, rotating savings groups, and sidewalks.

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

@yitgordon @DPW_RichmondVA #rvapb

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

@amycwentz We should connect. @rva_pb can cover some of this. I've got other ideas for how to the rest. Anyway to be supportive of Richmond neighbors.

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

@ItsaKibitzer @RTDNEWS @rva_pb @rva_pb is a project support by City Council, but led and envisioned by a commission of people living in Richmond. The members are listed here. https://t.co/L8sly45MJO

[Matthew Slaats @slaats]

Richmond friends. If you read the @RTDNEWS this am, you saw a big article about the city. Well @rva_pb is working to do the opposite. We need your help to make it real. Sign up for this convo we are hosting. https://t.co/oGXXv59OAK