The Dynamics of Local Participation

Abstract

As part of the “new public participation movement,” participatory budgeting is a systematic attempt to ameliorate institutionalized inequality, inequity, and injustice by enhancing how democracy works and expanding who participates genuinely. This commitment to more democratic, inclusive decision-making is important for empowering communities who have been subject to marginalization and exploitation. However, participatory budgeting must be implemented as community-based work if local participation in shaping government policies, programming, and funding priorities is to be considered a legitimate and trusted process. This article examines participation within the framework of community-based philosophy and epistemology. Guidelines are provided for how participatory budgeting facilitators should approach communities with a genuine sense of humility and openness. This dynamic requires facilitators to form collaborative, dialogical relationships with communities and allows local knowledge to inform and drive the budgeting process.