The Office for Participation and Empowerment is a key institution of the City of Vienna dedicated to advancing participation and democracy by fostering co-creation and inclusive collaboration.
INNOVATING DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT
The Office for Participation, launched in June 2024, acts as a creative incubator generating new ideas and innovative approaches to strengthen democratic engagement and expand opportunities for citizen participation. Committed to empowering Vienna’s residents, it encourages active involvement in democratic processes, contributing to the creation of an inclusive, diverse, and just urban society. Its flagship projects include the Vienna Climate Team, the Workshop for Participation Formats, the European Capital of Democracy, and the city’s first Strategy for Democracy.
FOSTERING INCLUSION AND COLLABORATION
The Office for Participation promotes cooperation, networking, and knowledge exchange among politicians, public administrators, civil society, and residents. It develops accessible participation formats and focuses on engaging hard-to-reach groups through simple language, collaboration with local leaders, and a mix of analog and digital tools. Since its launch, the Office has reached hundreds of multipliers and over 460,000 households, organised 30 public events, and built a network of 250 democracy partners.
EMBEDDING PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE
A key achievement of the Office for Participation has been the strategic integration of citizen participation into Vienna’s decision-making processes. It has strengthened interdepartmental coordination and enabled cross-sector projects that reflect the diverse needs of residents. By transcending traditional administrative boundaries, the Office for Participation positions Vienna as a pioneer in inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking democratic innovation.
