Source of the picture: City of Dubrovnik
Author: Tena Frančeski
How can citizens take an active role in shaping their community's future?
Since 2018, Dubrovnik has implemented a participatory budgeting project, allowing residents to directly influence the allocation of public funds to community projects. This initiative aims to enhance civic participation, improve local infrastructure, and foster a sense of community ownership.
Participatory budgeting in Dubrovnik was introduced as a response to the need for greater civic engagement and transparency in municipal governance. The process enables citizens to propose, discuss, and vote on projects, ensuring that public spending aligns with community priorities. Implemented across various districts, this initiative also involves school children, encouraging early civic education and participation. Over the years, Dubrovnik has refined the process, with the annual budget allocation for participatory projects reflecting the evolving needs and interests of its residents.
Citizens participate in the project selection process through organized meetings and online platforms. In city districts, residents gather to discuss and propose projects, which are then vetted by municipal departments. Approved projects are put to a vote, either in person or online, allowing the community to decide on the most beneficial initiatives. In schools, students propose projects and vote during school assemblies or through digital platforms, ensuring that young voices are heard in shaping their educational environment.
The projects funded through participatory budgeting often have significant environmental benefits. Initiatives include the development of green spaces, installation of energy-efficient street lighting, and the promotion of sustainable transportation options. By engaging the community in these projects, Dubrovnik not only enhances local infrastructure but also advances its climate neutrality goals, reducing the city’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable urban living.
An innovative approach
Dubrovnik's participatory budgeting initiative stands out for its innovative approach, which effectively integrates community involvement into municipal governance. By allowing citizens to propose and vote on projects, Dubrovnik has transformed the traditional top-down budgeting process into a collaborative, democratic exercise. This approach not only empowers residents but also ensures that public spending is closely aligned with the community’s actual needs and preferences.
One of the key innovations of Dubrovnik’s approach is its inclusive framework, which extends beyond adult residents to involve young students in the decision-making process. Elementary school students are encouraged to propose projects that improve their school environment, such as playground enhancements or classroom resources. This early involvement in civic processes educates students about democracy and community engagement, fostering a generation of informed and active citizens.
To facilitate widespread participation, Dubrovnik employs both physical meetings and digital platforms. Residents can attend community meetings where they discuss and refine project proposals, ensuring that ideas are well-developed and feasible before they are put to a vote. Additionally, the city has developed online voting systems, making it easier for citizens to participate regardless of their ability to attend in-person meetings. This hybrid approach maximizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring a broad and diverse range of voices are heard.
Moreover, the participatory budgeting process in Dubrovnik is designed to be transparent and accountable. All proposed projects undergo a thorough review by municipal departments to assess their feasibility and alignment with city priorities. The results of the voting process and the progress of funded projects are regularly communicated to the public, building trust and encouraging continuous civic engagement. This transparency not only enhances the legitimacy of the process but also fosters a stronger connection between the citizens and their local government.
By integrating these innovative elements, Dubrovnik’s participatory budgeting initiative serves as a model for other cities aiming to enhance civic engagement, transparency, and democratic governance.
Main positive lessons
- Increased transparency in municipal budgeting processes
- Enhanced community engagement and civic responsibility
- Successful implementation of citizen-driven projects
- Improved trust between residents and local government
Main barriers found
- Initial skepticism from citizens about the process
- Difficulty in reaching marginalized and less vocal community members
- Limited resources to support extensive public outreach and education
- Challenges in project execution due to administrative delays
Potential for replication and scale-up:
The participatory budgeting model in Dubrovnik demonstrates a scalable and adaptable approach that can be applied in other cities. By fostering a culture of civic engagement and ensuring transparent allocation of public funds, other municipalities can enhance community involvement and address local needs effectively. The key to successful reapplication lies in tailoring the process to fit the unique social, economic, and cultural contexts of different communities while maintaining the core principles of inclusivity and transparency.