Participatory budgeting as a form of public consultation conducted by Polish municipalities (exemplified by the City of Częstochowa)

Abstract

Thesis. In recent years in Poland, increase in the activity of local government units
in terms of public participation pursued among the inhabitants has been observed.
Discussed concepts. The article deals with the idea of participatory budgeting,
its ways of its implementation as well as the role of non-governmental organizations

in its execution, taking as an example The City and Municipality of Częstochowa.
Results and conclusions. Municipalities conduct their activities in terms of public
participation by different means, which include any local initiatives, public consultation,
and participatory budgeting. Participatory budgeting has gained the greatest
popularity among all of these, and is well received in major cities (Warsaw, Kraków,
Łódź), medium ones (Częstochowa, Płock) as well as smaller ones (Karpacz, Kostrzyn).
Originality/cognitive value of the approach. The issue of the increase of public
activity in connection with the introduction of the participatory budgeting in
Częstochowa has not been analysed in detail yet. The text is an important contribution
to the research on the idea of public participation pursued in local government units.