Polish towns Swarzędz and Katowice advance citizen budgeting projects

In Swarzędz, the municipal citizen budget allocates 2 million zł for local projects. Voting began on 10 July 2026 and runs until 18 September 2026, with residents casting one vote in each of three categories: a main project receiving up to 1.2 million zł, local projects capped at 100 000 zł each from a 500 000‑zł pool, and additional projects capped at 50 000 zł each from a 300 000‑zł pool. The 21 proposals include converting a former school into a library, creating a senior club, refurbishing bus stops, installing a radar speed display, and other community improvements.

In Katowice, the citizen budget earmarked nearly 866 000 zł to rebuild the playground in Zadole Park, adding new swings, slides, fitness equipment and wheelchair‑accessible surfaces. The contractor has about four and a half months to complete the work. Similar participatory‑budget decisions have been made in other Silesian towns such as Ruda Śląska, Zabrze, Gliwice and Chorzów, where residents chose projects ranging from recreational areas to street lighting and dog‑run facilities. These local initiatives empower residents to shape their neighborhoods, though they typically affect only specific districts rather than whole cities.