Leandro N. Alem: Building New Youth. Environmental and Digital Participatory Budget

The Participatory Budget of Leandro N. Alem has been a success, particularly highlighting the active participation of young people in decision-making regarding the allocation of a portion of the municipal budget. The process has a strong digital component through www.alemparticipa.gob.ar, with 40% of the budget allocated to projects proposed by young people aged 16 to 29, enabling this generation to feel like an active part of building their community.

Young participants have developed leadership and civic engagement skills, promoting values such as solidarity, civic responsibility, and social commitment. Their involvement in decision-making has strengthened their sense of belonging to the community.

The selected projects have improved infrastructure and public services in the city, benefiting the entire community. Citizen participation has also strengthened transparency and accountability, leading to better management of public resources.

Promoted Values

Participation: Young people have actively taken part in decision-making and encouraged others to participate.

• Solidarity: Collaboration and teamwork have been fundamental to the success of the projects.

• Civic Responsibility: Young people have demonstrated a strong commitment to their community and to improving quality of life.

The Participatory Budget is organized into two categories:

• General Participatory Budget: intended for projects proposed by adults aged 30 and over, with 60% of the budget allocated.

• Youth Participatory Budget: intended for projects proposed by young people aged 16 to 29, with 40% of the budget allocated.

Implementation Process

1. Program Launch: a public call is issued for project proposals.

2. Neighborhood Assemblies: meetings are held in different neighborhoods to present and discuss projects.

3. Technical Feasibility: the technical viability of the proposed projects is evaluated.

4. Voting: residents vote for the selected projects.

5. Implementation: the winning projects are carried out.

Tools and Resources

Website: a dedicated website is used to share information and receive proposals.

Technical Team: a technical team supports the implementation of the program.

Training: participants receive training on the Participatory Budget process.

For more information: https://www.alemparticipa.gob.ar/ 

https://www.oidp.net/docs/repo/doc1858.pdf