Impacts of Participatory Budgeting on Governance & Well-Being

Thousands of cities, states, schools, and other institutions have used participatory budgeting (PB), giving residents the power to decide how to spend part of a public budget. PB is more than a budget allocation tool — it can change how governments work and increase community well-being. A growing body of research has documented these impacts. This research can help government innovators improve PB processes, providing evidence-based solutions for common challenges. It can also help civil society advocates promote more effective and equitable PB, learning from what has worked elsewhere.

In this research brief, we explain the theory of change linking PB to governance and well-being outcomes, identify seven key research findings, and share practical recommendations for advocacy, planning & design, and research.

Also, you can check the online course where leading researchers share key findings on the impacts of PB on indicators of governance and well-being, explaining how PB can increase tax revenues, shift public spending, reduce infant mortality, and more. Government practitioners and civil society advocates help translate this research into practical recommendations and next steps for your work.

The info sheet is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Russian, and Chinese.

Year of publication: 2021

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