"Other people's neighborhoods!" Recently, the Jindi Green Green community in Tongzhou gained fame for distributing public revenue to all its residents. The funds came from income generated by shared spaces such as elevator advertisements, commercial parking lots, water dispensers, and new energy charging stations. While many neighborhoods still grapple with unclear accounting of public revenue, Jindi Green Green’s approach stands out as a novelty in Tongzhou and even across the city. Experts suggest that returning public revenue to residents may become a growing trend.

**Neighborhoods Handing Out "Dividends"** On the morning of September 27, the small square in Jindi Green Green was bustling with activity. Residents, the neighborhood committee, property management, and the homeowners' association gathered to publicly distribute five years' worth of public revenue dividends. Owners arrived to sign in, collect red envelopes, and take commemorative photos—a scene of shared joy.

Where did the money come from? Zhang Xiaolin, head of the homeowners' association, explained that the funds—totaling over 320,000 yuan—were sourced from shared spaces like elevator ads, commercial parking fees, water dispensers, and charging stations. After consulting legal professionals, the distribution was set at 2 yuan per square meter, based on property registration records. "Owners with larger homes received over 3,000 yuan, while even the smallest units got at least 100 yuan," Zhang said. Residents could choose cash, online transfers, or deductions from property fees.

Many were pleasantly surprised: "We’re used to paying fees, not receiving money!" This marked the first such distribution since the association’s founding five years ago. "Our goal was to show residents they’re stakeholders—the revenue belongs to them and should be tangible," said Liu Dihua, the association’s deputy head. To ensure transparency, third-party audits are conducted annually, with detailed financial reports posted publicly.

The move sparked widespread discussion, with some praising the transparency and others joking, "This is what 'shared benefits' should look like." Jindi Green Green isn’t alone—other communities, like Tongzhou’s Wuyi Garden, also distribute public revenue annually.

**The Role of Homeowners' Associations** Why do some neighborhoods succeed where others don’t? The answer lies in effective self-governance. Liu Dihua recalled how the association formed in 2020 amid a parking crisis after a garage accident left 80% of residents without spaces. "We needed a voice for the community," he said. The seven-member team, including lawyers and professionals, tackled issues like garage repairs and fee negotiations, restoring order within months.

Property manager Wang noted that the association boosted fee collection rates from 98% to 99.5%, proving its value as a bridge between residents and management. "Before, complaints went nowhere. Now, every building has a group chat for instant feedback," Zhang Xiaolin added. Over five years, the association has overseen upgrades to greenery, surveillance, and infrastructure—earning broad satisfaction.

**Public Revenue Returns: A Growing Trend?** The initiative has drawn interest from other communities. Governance expert Chen Fengshan highlights its dual benefits: fostering resident engagement and transparency. "While 'dividend' practices date back 20 years, broader adoption faces hurdles like 20% taxation on payouts, which strains smaller communities," he said. Some neighborhoods offset fees instead, but direct distributions boost morale and participation.

Legally, public revenue decisions rest with residents under China’s Civil Code. However, mismanagement persists—some properties withhold or misuse funds, while others bypass resident approval. Chen stresses that associations are key to oversight, ensuring audits, resident votes, and transparent reporting.

"Transparency reflects stronger governance," Chen said. "When residents, property managers, and authorities collaborate, public funds truly serve the community—enhancing trust and cohesion."