Introduction
The growing belief in citizens' ability to influence local affairs is reflected in the increasing popularity of civic budgets (CBs). As a form of participatory budgeting, CBs offer a simple, transparent, and egalitarian platform for residents to engage in local development decision-making. They are key components of co-governance, fostering collaboration between citizens and local governments.
Civic Budgets in Action
Originating in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1989, civic budgets were initially a grassroots initiative to address social justice and government legitimacy issues. The Porto Alegre model has since inspired many adaptations worldwide, particularly in European cities, where local governments have even made changes to legislation to accommodate CBs.
Civic budgets encourage active citizen involvement in local affairs, helping to build local democracy and promote the city as a shared resource. They create opportunities for residents to learn negotiation, cooperation, and civic awareness while emphasizing shared responsibility for the common good. However, the implementation of BOs often depends on local authorities' awareness and willingness to adopt this participatory democracy tool.
Challenges and Potential
Despite the potential of civic budgets to activate citizens, many people remain disengaged from social activities. Low civic participation can be attributed to a lack of knowledge about involvement opportunities or local government openness. CBs can provide the necessary tools for increased citizen engagement, but local governments must make a conscious effort to include residents in the decision-making process.
Civic budgets serve as a mechanism of co-governance, involving ordinary residents in local development. By addressing issues closest to them, CBs help allocate public funds according to residents' needs. Involving a large number of residents in the BO process safeguards it from becoming a facade and ensures that their ideas will be implemented.
Conclusion
Civic budgets have the potential to transform local democracy by involving citizens in local government affairs. Drawing inspiration from the Porto Alegre model, civic budgets have gained global popularity as a tool for social mobilization and opening civil dialogue with average residents. In line with Alexis de Tocqueville's notion that democracy's strength lies in engaged citizens, civic budgets empower citizens to shape their communities and contribute to local development.
