Case study of implementation of public participation instruments in Opole in years 2006-2014

Marcin Ociepa

University of Opole, Institute of Political Science
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9748-160X

Abstract

For some years now polish municipal governments are actively looking for ways to incorporate new tools for increasing public participation in governance. These tools shape or at least aim to shape citizens that are actively looking at local politics rather than simply voting every four years. Opole is an example of a city that successfully implemented this idea. In 2006 local government created first auxiliary units of the municipal government (district council) and by the year 2014 managed to officially introduce public legislative initiatives, local initiatives as well as participatory budgeting. Those examples make Opole perfect case study.

Keywords:

public participation, auxiliary units of the municipal government, participatory budgeting, local initiative, Opole