Cassano allo Ionio Council adopts rules to establish permanent community consultative bodies

The municipal council of Cassano allo Ionio in southern Italy voted unanimously to approve a regulation that creates permanent "Consulte comunali," participatory bodies designed to involve associations, volunteers, professional groups and ordinary citizens in local decision‑making. The measure implements a provision of the town’s 1991 statute that had never been operationalised, marking the first formal establishment of such consultative forums after 35 years.

Council President Sofia Maimone said the approval “represents an important moment for our council and for the whole community,” adding that the Consulte will “strengthen local democracy” by providing a stable space for dialogue, ideas and proposals that can be turned into administrative actions.

The council plans to begin the formal setup of the Consulte in the coming months, while also studying additional tools to broaden citizen participation in municipal affairs.