Participatory Budgeting for Young People in Vienna
In 2020, Vienna embarked on a groundbreaking initiative with the introduction of its ‘Participatory Children and Youth’ strategy. This forward-thinking approach aims to empower children and young people to shape their futures by becoming key decision-makers in their communities. Central to this strategy is the allocation of municipal budget funds specifically for ideas proposed by young residents. Known as the ‘Participatory Children and Youth Million’, this initiative sets aside €1 million every two years to bring these ideas to life.
Youth Participatory Budgeting
Youth participatory budgeting is designed to actively engage young people in public decision-making processes. By providing platforms for discussion, deliberation, and proposal of projects, it fosters a collaborative environment where young voices are heard and valued. This approach not only encourages dialogue but also builds a strong sense of ownership and partnership between the youth and local government.
The process begins with young people, aged 5 to 20, submitting their ideas either individually or in groups. These submissions are then reviewed in co-creation workshops where participants work with representatives from over 30 municipal departments and district offices. These collaborations ensure that ideas are both innovative and practical. For example, in 2024, a total of 226 ideas were submitted, with 215 being retained for further development.
Public outreach plays a crucial role in this process, aiming to engage not just politically active youth but a broader demographic. In Phase 2, Vienna’s city departments and district administrators review these ideas, requiring clear communication and effective integration with municipal operations. Events and clear timelines are essential to keep the process transparent and inclusive. Proposals must have a minimum budget of €50,000 and be implemented within two years.
As of the May 2024 CEMR webinar, the process had advanced to the voting stage. At this point, 49 projects were presented online for voting, allowing both individual and group preferences to shape the outcomes.
Vienna’s participatory budgeting for children and young people exemplifies a successful model of inclusive governance, demonstrating how cities can harness the creativity and insights of their youngest residents to enhance community life.
Learn more about Participatory Budgeting here
Advisor – Territorial Cohesion & Local Finances
