Participatory Budgeting in Brno – Inspiration for Other Cities?
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2020 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | European Research Studies Journal |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | Open access periodika |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.35808/ersj/1712 |
| Keywords | participatory budgeting; implementation; local budget; local government; citizen engagement |
| Attached files | |
| Description | Purpose: Literature offers many benefits associated with participatory budgeting. However, the implementation of participatory budgeting (influenced by many factors) is unique in every country, and it cannot be linked only to advantages. Presenting the advantages and disadvantages of participatory budgeting can extend the theoretical knowledge and better understand this field. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the development of participatory budgeting in the Czech Republic. It focuses on the implementation and results of participatory budgeting in Brno's city (the second-largest city in the Czech Republic), which introduced the concept in 2017. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis of participatory budgeting is based on a critical analysis of recent literature. In the empirical part, we focused on the implementation of participatory budgeting in Brno. We have analyzed a few factors: voting results, the size of the participatory budget, and winning projects. A qualitative method was applied to synthesize this research. Findings: When assessing participatory budgeting in Brno, we identified both the positive and negative aspects of its implementation. To sum up, we have observed that during the three years of participatory budgeting in Brno, the negative aspects outweighed the positive aspects. Practical Implications: This study's results can help other municipalities of similar size with a decision whether (and how) to implement participatory budgeting. Likewise, it can help other cities to avoid some mistakes. Originality/Value: This paper extends existing findings mentioned in many scientific studies by referring to the Czech experience where negative aspects of participatory budgeting can outweigh its positive aspects. |
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