Implementation of Participatory Budgeting (GTSJE0003)

Commitment ID

GTSJE0003

Commitment Title

Implementation of Participatory Budgeting

Problem

Currently one of the biggest challenges facing democracy in the municipality of San Jerónimo is how to include citizen participation in the political decision-making process within the Municipality and in the Municipal Development Council –COMUDE_. Therefore, it is necessary to move from being a representative democracy to a participatory democracy, where people can participate directly in the discussion processes and decisions for the execution of projects, programs and activities of the Municipality.

Municipalities are where citizen participation in public management can be best identified. Municipalities are at the first level of rapprochement between people and the State, they are the ones they turn to when a problem arises or they need help. Public management at the local level requires that the community be actively involved in the decisions that are made, since it provides knowledge regarding existing problems and what are the main focuses of action that should be intervened, in addition to being the best ones. They know the territory, its demands and those affected. The Municipalities work together with the social leaders, mainly with the Community Development Councils and other social organizations that are in the commune; they are the ones who collect the information and transmit it to the municipal authorities and officials.

Citizen participation is regulated in each Municipality through a Municipal Ordinance, specifically in the Municipal Code.

Status quo

The lack of representation and prioritization of the needs of the communities in the municipality of San Jerónimo has led to the following problems:

Development of non-priority projects: Without the participation of citizens, public officials have prioritized projects that do not respond to the most urgent needs of the community.

Inefficiency in the use of resources: Public resources have been allocated inefficiently, which has generated a negative impact on the quality of life of citizens.

Increased inequality: Lack of participation has perpetuated inequality, as the most influential or powerful groups have imposed their interests on others.

Loss of legitimacy: The lack of citizen participation has generated a lack of legitimacy in the decisions made by the authorities, which can lead to a crisis of trust and governance.

Corruption: Without citizen participation, corruption has been encouraged, since public officials have made decisions without being accountable to anyone.

The lack of participatory budgeting can generate a gap between the needs of the community and the decisions made by the authorities, which can lead to a series of problems that negatively affect the well-being of citizens.

Action

Commitments:
Involve citizens in the budget process.
Guarantee transparency and accountability.
Prioritize community needs.
Promote citizen participation and democracy.
Ensure equity and justice in the allocation of resources.
Improve the quality of life of citizens.
Strengthen local governance.
Results:
Budget that reflects community priorities.
Greater transparency and accountability.
Improvement in the quality of public services.
Increase in citizen participation.
Reduction of poverty and inequality.Sustainable and equitable development.

Strengthening local institutions.
General Objective: Guarantee the active and democratic participation of citizens in the planning and management of public resources, to improve the quality of life and well-being of the community, through a transparent, equitable and sustainable process."

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The participatory budget contributes to solving the problems of a municipality in several ways:
Prioritization of needs: Citizens identify and prioritize the most urgent needs of the municipality.

Transparency and accountability: The participatory process guarantees transparency in resource management and holds officials accountable.

Improvement in public services: Resources are allocated according to the needs of the community, improving the quality of life.

Reduction of poverty and inequality: Projects that benefit vulnerable sectors are prioritized.

Promotion of citizen participation: Citizens get involved in decisions that affect their daily lives.

Strengthening local governance: Collaboration between citizens, organizations and authorities is promoted

Efficiency in the use of resources: Waste is avoided and resources are allocated effectively.

Sustainable development: Projects that promote sustainable growth are prioritized

By involving citizens in the budget process, participatory budgeting helps solve problems effectively and sustainably, improving the quality of life in the municipality

Greater citizen participation in decision making.

Budget that reflects community priorities.

mprovement in transparency and accountability.

Annual Participatory Budget Plan.
Budget Execution Report.

Municipal Development Plan.

Community Priorities Map.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

Consolidate participatory democracy and strengthen local governance, as well as establish a transparent and responsible public management model through the implementation of participatory budgeting as a tool for social and political transformation.

Primary Policy Area

Inclusion, Regulatory Governance

Primary Sector

Infrastructure & Transport, Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?