Ep. 31: Participatory budgeting: When government really is by the people
Mar 19, 2019
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Shari Davis, Lorian Ngarambe, and Alexander Kolokotronis discuss participatory budgeting, its historical roots, its impact in anti-poverty initiatives, strategies for involvement, its growth in the US, and its role in bringing about system change.
Participatory budgeting empowers communities to make decisions on how to allocate funds and improve their area.
Participatory budgeting is rooted in ancient practices and movements, drawing on the expertise of content and context experts.
Participatory budgeting addresses issues like poverty by engaging community members and allowing for innovative solutions.
Deep dives
Overview of Participatory Budgeting
Participatory budgeting is a process that empowers communities to decide how to spend a portion of a budget to improve their area. It involves community members coming together to write the rules and collect ideas on how to allocate funds. The ideas are then reviewed and vetted by committees based on need, feasibility, and impact. The final projects are put to a vote, and the projects with the most votes are implemented. Participatory budgeting marks a change in how communities govern and engage with their constituents.
Historical Roots of Participatory Democracy
Participatory budgeting is part of a broader tradition of participatory democracy, with roots in ancient Athens and indigenous practices like the Iroquois Confederacy. It has connections to movements like the Spanish Revolution and the coining of the term participatory democracy in the 1960s. The process draws on the expertise of both content and context experts, ensuring a holistic understanding of community needs and challenges.
Impact of Participatory Budgeting in Monroe County
In the anti-poverty initiative in Monroe County, participatory budgeting played a role in addressing issues like housing and food scarcity. The process engaged community members and gave a voice to those closest to the problem, recognizing them as context experts. It allowed for the development of innovative solutions that may have been overlooked in top-down approaches. Participatory budgeting also built momentum, with community members wanting more opportunities to be involved and make a difference.
Strategies for Community Engagement
Effective strategies for community engagement in participatory budgeting include meeting people where they are and mitigating barriers to participation. This involves going to places like schools, libraries, and community centers, and providing support like childcare and incentives. Identifying key community members and empowering them to spread the word is crucial for engaging a wider audience. The design of the process should be done with and not for the community, ensuring that their input guides the decision-making.
Participatory Budgeting and System Change
Participatory budgeting is seen as a tool for systems change. It brings community members into the decision-making process and sheds light on community issues, asset strengths, and spending priorities. The process can lead to policy and systems changes by providing evidence of community needs and solutions. Participatory budgeting marks a shift in the way government operates, fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to community governance. It is part of a larger movement towards participatory democracy and community empowerment.
