More and more municipalities in Spain are recognizing the value of citizen participation when designing policies and public services that better meet the needs of their residents. While various studies analyze this phenomenon from an academic perspective, very few take a practical approach with straightforward recommendations that local government officials and participation officers can apply immediately.
That’s why we conducted this study, focusing on the real concerns and needs of local governments. To do so, we interviewed council members and participation officers from different municipalities and conducted a survey among young people aged 18 to 34 to identify new strategies for encouraging their involvement in institutional processes. The study was carried out by Marvin Frömming, an associate researcher at Avans University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.
The study highlights three key findings:
Participatory budgeting is on the rise in Spain, offering a new way to foster collaboration between local governments and citizens. However, several critical factors have been identified that determine the success of such initiatives.
The design and implementation of participatory processes are complex tasks that are not always executed effectively. The study reveals persistent internal and external challenges that create tensions within municipal participation departments. Technology, beyond being a useful tool for gauging public opinion, can help ease some of these tensions.
There is a significant disconnect between local governments and younger citizens. Municipalities are actively trying to engage younger generations in participatory processes, and choosing the right communication channels can have a major impact on youth participation rates.
The report provides insights into how local governments in Spain have increased their investment in citizen participation and highlights the regions that allocate the most resources to these initiatives. Finally, it offers practical recommendations. This document will be valuable to anyone involved in participatory processes at the local or regional level, including council members, participation officers, municipal project managers, and community leaders.
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