ROCKLAND — On Wednesday, April 16, the City of Rockland Ad Hoc Opioid Settlement Participatory Budgeting Committee will hold a second public workshop intended to offer insight into Rockland’s opioid settlement funds, and to discuss the next steps in the allocation of these funds. The workshop will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Rockland’s City Hall Council Chambers, 270 Pleasant Street. A light supper will be provided, and any Rockland resident is welcome to attend.

Over the next fourteen years the City of Rockland will receive $350,000 in Opioid Settlement funds. Using an innovative approach to address the ongoing opioid crisis, the Rockland City Council voted unanimously to create an Ad-Hoc Participatory Budgeting Committee. The purpose of this committee is to create a process for Rockland residents to decide how to allocate that money. Community members, organizations, and stakeholders can actively participate in decision-making regarding the utilization of these critical resources. 

Key Features of the Participatory Budgeting Process

-Community Engagement: surveys, open forums and workshops are held to educate community members about the process and to gather input on funding priorities. The April 16 workshop will be the second of three community workshops.

-Project Proposals: Residents, local organizations, and stakeholders may submit ideas for projects that address opioid prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery support, and related community health initiatives.

-Voting: Community members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed projects, determining how funds are allocated based on collective priorities during the summer of 2025. 

The first allocation of funds from the settlement is expected sometime in the fall of 2025.

"The Ad-Hoc Participatory Budget Committee encourages all community members to get involved and share their perspectives on how these funds can best serve the people of Rockland," said the City, in a news release.

For more information on the participatory budgeting process, contact the committee at rocklandospbc@gmail.com