CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL FINANCES MANAGEMENT

published on 08 June 2009

A pilot project of Balkan Assist 2004 - 2007, implemented with the support of SDC

Main Goal:
Improve cooperation between citizens and local authorities and increase the level of citizen participation in the budget process.

Sub Goals:
• Develop municipal capacity for cooperation with citizens at all stages of the budget process;

• Increase the skills and the knowledge of citizens regarding the principles and financing mechanisms of the municipality;

• Study the international experience - Swiss, Slovakian, American;

• Carry out a broad public debate in the municipalities on the local sustainable development priorities;

• Carry out fundraising campaigns in the municipalities to implement a specific project, agreed on by all the participants.

Content and Encompass of the Project:
Balkan Assist aims through this project to elaborate and apply an effective model for citizen participation in formulating local priorities and in the management of the local finances. Training is envisaged on the elements of the budget and the possibilities for participation in the process of elaboration and implementation. Then a cycle of public fora is organized in each of the partner municipalities to discuss on the priorities to be included in the budget for the coming year. Fundraising capmaigns are planned for funding a project of public significance the municipal budget can not fully cover.

Partners of association "Balkan Assist":
The partner municipalities in the first phase are Tryavna, Sevlievo, Troyan and Svistov. In the second phase we plan involving some more Bulgarian municipalities.

We work in close cooperation and partnership with the local authorities, NGOs and citizen groups, youths and the media. Our partners at national level are FLGR, NAMRB, the LGI program of USAID, Swiss and Slovakian experts and partners.