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Four New York City Council members are letting their constituents decide how to spend $4 million dollars in discretionary funding.

Under the new pilot program, residents in the 8th, 39th, 45th and 32nd districts will be allowed to attend community meetings to nominate possible projects needed in the areas. This could include — but is not limited to — infrastructure, educational programs or art.

Councilman Jumaane Williams said the city was inspired by a program started in Brazil called “participatory budgeting,” which will make the city’s budget process more transparent.

“What better way to empower your community, than to have them directly decide where there tax money is spent,” Williams said. “We acknowledge that this money is theirs and they should have as much of a voice as possible.”

Council members Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan), Brad Lander (D- Brooklyn) and Eric Ulrich (R- Queens) are also participating in the program.

Councilwoman Mark-Viverito said it is important for people to get involved with budget issues. “This is a way of really validating the voice of our constituents and telling them what they have to say matters, what they have to say is going to make an impact directly in your community,” she said.

Meetings will begin in late October, where brainstorming sessions will be held at the districts’ local community boards. There will also be elections for people to serve as budget delegates in their community.

Anyone who is 16 years or older can attend the meetings and propose ideas as long as they provide proof of residency.

By the spring, projects will be drafted and proposed for a vote by all residents. Projects with overwhelming support will be brought up to the City Council Budget hearing next summer for the 2013 fiscal year.