This week we reviewed a total of 13 proposals:
→ 2 on Kusama
→ 11 on Polkadot (6 follow-up proposals, 5 new proposals)
Here are our voting positions, background explanations, and voting reasons. At the end, we also share our overall reflections on treasury spending priorities 🧵
❌ #560 KIRA – Kusama Anti-Inflation Bill (WFC proposal)
🔗 kusama.subsquare.io/referenda/560
💰 No funding request (WFC proposal)
Vote: NAY (against)
If Polkadot is ready to cut security spending, Kusama should adopt a similar strategy. Even if the methods differ, a complete set of anti-inflation plans is needed, not just a destruction mechanism.
❌ #561 Argumentree.io – DAO decision-making platform
🔗 kusama.subsquare.io/referenda/561
💰 1,070 KSM
Vote: NAY (against)
Products should be developed and value validated before applying for retrospective funding. User habits are hard to change unless there is a clear pain point.
✅ #1650 The BD Hub – Unified BD infrastructure platform
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1650
💰 255,150 USDC
First vote: NAY → Second vote: AYE (support)
Despite budget concerns, we support it now. It is committed to building a long-term business development infrastructure with clear key metrics and a sustainable model.
However, it should be emphasized that the treasury ≠ human resources department. Value should come from deliverables, not market salaries.
❌ #1664 Polkalotto – Part 1 (of 3 parts)
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1664
💰 17,000 DOT (part of a total application of 1 million DOT)
Vote: NAY (against)
If the reduction in the security budget leads to a decrease in treasury reserves, we should prioritize investing in public infrastructure projects. This proposal carries high risks and is not a necessity.
❌ #1666 Polkadot rewards program
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1666
💰 250,000 USDC
Vote: NAY (against)
The product scope and budget breakdown are still unclear. We support bold ideas, but execution and transparency must also keep pace.
❌ #1667 Merkle Mountain Belts (MMB)
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1667
💰 340,200 USDC + 42,187 DOT
Vote: NAY (against)
We do not support the 'performance bonus' model, or deciding whether to fund based directly on delivered results; the requested amount is already high enough!
❌ #1668 SQD (formerly Subsquid) – Archive infrastructure
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1668
💰 308,700 USDC
Vote: NAY (against)
This is more of a profit service charged for ecological projects, rather than a public product. The maintenance hourly rate of $108 is also on the high side.
✅ #1670 Pixelproof V2 – Decentralized photo dApp
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1670
💰 225,000 USDC
First vote: NAY → Second vote: AYE (support)
The new version shows significant improvements, with a clear minimum viable product (MVP), delivery path, and transparent pricing.
✅ #1672 Polkadot Africa – African community growth
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1672
💰 352,800 USDC
Vote: AYE (support)
Organized over 45 offline events, attracting over 3,000 participants. The budget is reasonable, and the strategy is clear. Africa is an important growth area for Polkadot, and we support it.
❌ #1676 Polkadot.law – DAO legal research
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1676
💰 50,000 USDC
Vote: NAY (against)
The direction is meaningful, but urgency is unclear. The legal principles of DAOs have general applicability across chains, and may have already been covered by the PCF or Parity legal teams; clear division of responsibilities is advised.
❌ #1677 Builder Map – Interactive developer mapping tool
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1677
💰 1,000 DOT
Vote: NAY (against)
The idea is good, but the value needs to be validated first. Should follow 'build first → validate results → apply for retrospective funding'.
❌ #1678 NSU Broward Innovation Park membership renewal
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1678
💰 2,400 USDT
Vote: NAY (against)
Usage data not provided. If it has not been used before, it should not be renewed.
❌ #1679 CLARYS.AI – OpenGov AI assistant
🔗 polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/1679
💰 256,100 USDC
Vote: NAY (against)
The idea is good, but without product-market fit (PMF), the treasury should not fund generic AI tools. It is recommended to first seek support from the Web3 Foundation.
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🧠 This week's OpenGov reflections
The Polkadot treasury is tightening. If security spending drops from $500 million to $90 million, overall expenses must be tightened. Emphasizing again:
• Polkadot treasury ≠ Web3 salary bank
• Fund infrastructure, not lifestyles
• Execution over title
• Public interest > private gain
Let's make the Polkadot treasury sustainable together 🌱
