In Laeken, residents are taking the lead in deciding how public funds are spent to shape their own neighborhood.
A BUDGET SHAPED BY THE COMMUNITY
In the Brussels district of Laeken, residents are stepping into the driver’s seat of local development. The city has dedicated part of its investment budget to projects designed by and for the community. The process begins with a local diagnosis, co-created by residents and associations through the Neighbourhood Council. These findings inform a call for project ideas open to all Laeken residents, ensuring proposals respond to real, lived needs. After a collaborative assessment with city departments, the community votes to decide which projects will be implemented.
FROM IDEAS TO ACTION
Each winning project is given up to three years for completion. During this time, city staff and project leaders work closely to bring ideas to life—from design to execution. Whether it’s creating green spaces, launching services, or improving infrastructure, the focus remains on turning local visions into tangible results. The partnership ensures that technical, administrative, and community needs are balanced every step of the way.
A NEW STANDARD FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
This participatory budgeting model goes beyond symbolic consultation. By involving citizens in diagnosing problems, proposing solutions, and making final decisions, the initiative fosters real ownership and trust. It also equips residents with a deeper understanding of how budgets work and the trade-offs involved in public spending. As a result, civic engagement becomes more informed, meaningful, and long-lasting—building stronger connections between citizens and local institutions, and reshaping how democracy is practiced at the neighborhood level.
