Edinburgh residents are being invited to share their ideas for how £1.7 million of funding from the city’s new Visitor Levy could be spent in communities across the city.
The City of Edinburgh Council has launched Your Voice: Visitor Levy, a new participatory budgeting programme giving local people the opportunity to suggest ideas and vote on projects that will receive funding in their neighbourhoods.
The programme will distribute £1.7 million over three years through 17 community funds, one for each of Edinburgh’s electoral wards, helping to ensure that the benefits reach communities across the city.
Share your ideas by 6th December
The first stage of the programme is now open, and the Council wants to hear from residents about what matters most in their local area.
From 9th November to 6th December 2026, residents can suggest ideas for projects they’d like to see funded. These ideas will help inform applications from community groups and charities when funding opens in January.
Projects must primarily benefit visitors, but can also bring lasting benefits to local communities. Potential ideas include:
Improvements to parks, greenspaces and public spaces
Community and public art
Cultural events and performances
Heritage and local history projects
Sporting events and activities
These are just examples, and residents are encouraged to share their own ideas for projects that could benefit their neighbourhoods.
What’s happening next?
Following the initial ideas stage, community organisations and charities will have the opportunity to apply for funding, with residents voting on which projects should receive support.
Key dates:
9th November to 6th December 2026: Residents share their ideas
4th January to 6th March 2027: Applications open to community organisations and charities
May to June 2027: Residents vote on projects in their ward
June to July 2027: Funding awarded to successful projects
Get involved
This is an opportunity for communities across Edinburgh to help shape investment in their local areas.
Whether you have an idea for improving a local greenspace, celebrating your neighbourhood’s heritage or creating new opportunities for people to connect, the Council wants to hear from you.
Share your ideas by 6th December: https://yourvoice.edinburgh.gov.uk/visitorlevy
Community groups can also invite a member of the Your Voice team to attend a meeting or local event during the ideas stage. Get in touch at yourvoice@edinburgh.gov.uk to arrange a visit or ask any questions.