Department of Rocha: “Design Your City” – Participatory Democracy for Territorial Development in Rocha

PROYECTA TU CIUDAD is a citizen participation program promoted by the Departmental Government of Rocha that fosters community development through the funding of projects proposed by social organizations and neighborhood groups. Through annual public calls, the program enables communities to identify their needs and submit initiatives aimed at improving public spaces, strengthening social, cultural, and sports activities, and promoting actions related to local development.

Between 2021 and 2025, approximately 215 projects were funded across more than 20 localities in the department, with an investment of nearly 44.6 million Uruguayan pesos. These initiatives benefited more than 22,000 people and contributed to strengthening over 150 community organizations.

The program represents a participatory democracy tool that strengthens the social fabric, promotes territorial decentralization, and allows citizens to actively participate in building solutions for their communities. This experience demonstrates how local public policies can strengthen participatory democracy when government and community work together to improve quality of life in their territories.

More information:
https://unitec.uy/