In participatory budgeting, who typically gets involved in the decision-making process?

Participatory budgeting is a democratic process where community members, particularly the general public and citizens, are directly involved in making decisions about how to allocate a portion of the budget. This approach fosters transparency, encourages civic engagement, and empowers individuals by allowing them to have a say in the funding priorities that affect their lives and communities. By including the general public, participatory budgeting promotes accountability and ensures that the financial allocations reflect the needs and preferences of the community rather than just those of officials or experts. This inclusive decision-making process helps improve trust between citizens and government entities and ultimately leads to more effective and relevant public spending.