Polish cities advance participatory budgeting initiatives

The city of Chełm has closed its call for project proposals for the 2027 municipal participatory budget. Residents submitted 59 ideas ranging from infrastructure upgrades to cultural events. The proposals will be evaluated by officials by July 21, with an appeal period scheduled for July 29 – August 4. A final list of projects eligible for voting is expected by August 19, and the voting period runs from August 24 to September 7. Results will be announced by September 15. The 2027 budget totals 3 million złoty.

In Warsaw, the results of the 13th edition of the city's participatory budget were presented on July 1. A total of 137.9 million złoty was allocated, with 27.6 million złoty earmarked for city‑wide projects. The call for submissions closed on January 13, receiving 1,185 proposals. Voting took place from June 1 to June 15, attracting 55,366 participants who selected 582 projects for implementation, including 24 city‑wide, 172 district‑level, and 385 local initiatives.

Both cases illustrate the growing use of participatory budgeting in Poland as a tool to increase transparency, civic engagement, and local decision‑making.