Kansalaisbudjetointi

Kansalaisbudjetointi, also known as participatory budgeting, is a democratic process in which members of a community decide how to allocate a portion of a public budget. This process gives citizens a direct say in public spending decisions, typically at the local government level. The core idea is to involve residents in identifying needs, proposing projects, and voting on which initiatives should receive funding.

The implementation of kansalaisbudjetointi varies across different municipalities and countries. Generally, it begins with a period of public consultation and idea generation. Residents can submit proposals for projects they believe would benefit their community, ranging from park improvements and public art installations to social programs and infrastructure upgrades. Following this, there is often a phase where proposals are reviewed for feasibility and alignment with municipal goals.

The next stage typically involves a voting process where citizens can cast their votes for their preferred projects. The projects that receive the most votes, up to the allocated budget limit, are then implemented by the local government. This participatory approach aims to increase transparency in government, foster civic engagement, and ensure that public funds are used in ways that reflect the priorities of the community. It can also serve as an educational tool, helping citizens better understand municipal finance and governance. While the concept is global, its adoption and specific mechanisms differ.