The Bottom-Up Revolution Matt Harder: Making City Budgeting More Participatory
Jan 16, 2025
Matt Harder, founder of Civic Trust, discusses the transformative power of participatory budgeting. He shares how this innovative approach empowers citizens to influence local government spending. Harder outlines the three phases of participatory budgeting, highlighting both its benefits and challenges. Real-world examples, like a successful project in Atlanta's Candler Park, illustrate how community involvement can significantly enhance public spaces. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in making budgeting more inclusive and engaging.
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Journey to Civic Engagement
- Matt Harder's interest in civic engagement stemmed from living in Costa Rica and observing its lack of civic culture.
- He realized the limitations of voting and saw technology as a powerful tool for change.
Participatory Budgeting Process
- Participatory budgeting (PB) involves a three-phase process: idea collection, ballot development, and community voting.
- Knapsack voting allows residents to select projects within a budget, revealing their true priorities.
Founding Civic Trust
- Harder's experience in New York City highlighted the potential of participatory budgeting but also its limitations.
- He founded Civic Trust to make PB easier for cities and more engaging for residents.