Participatory budgeting is a democratic process in which residents can directly contribute to and decide on a portion of the budget of a municipality, neighborhood, or organization. The goal is to give residents more influence on the allocation of public funds and thus realize projects that meet the needs of the community.
Steps for Organizing Participatory Budgeting
1. Prepare
The budget and framework: Choose the amount to be made available for participatory budgeting. Define the rules, such as the nature of the projects (for example, only sustainable initiatives) and the criteria that proposals must meet.
Communicate: Ensure clear communication with residents through social media, newsletters, and local meetings.
2. Collect Ideas
Call for Ideas: Invite residents to submit project proposals. This can be done online via a platform using Facebook or during in-person meetings.
Provide Support: Help residents develop their ideas by involving experts, for example, in spatial planning or finance.
3. Feasibility and Appropriateness Assessment
Selection of proposals: A committee (civil servants and preferably citizens) assesses the feasibility and appropriateness of the submitted plans.
Feedback: Provide a transparent explanation if a proposal is not feasible or does not fit within the framework.
4. Voting
Organizing a vote: Let residents vote on the proposals. This can be done online, by mail, or during a voting day, whatever suits you best and is feasible. Ensure that different target groups (young people, the elderly, minorities) can participate in the voting round.
5. Implementation
Announcement of winning projects: Communicate the results in a festive manner. Don’t forget to post photos of the announcement on Facebook.
Project implementation: The government collaborates with the initiators to realize the selected projects.
6. Evaluation
Review: Evaluate the process with residents and municipal officials to identify areas for improvement.
Reporting: Inform the community about the progress and results of the projects.
Participatory budgeting not only leads to better financial choices but also strengthens social cohesion and trust in local government. Actively involving residents creates a living environment that better meets their wishes and needs.
Video ( in English) https://vimeo.com/107121298
Back to the training main page