Lyon Residents Invited to Vote on Participatory Budget Projects
From May 5th to June 15th, Lyon residents are being called upon to participate in the second edition of the city’s participatory budget initiative. This program allows citizens to directly influence how a portion of the municipal budget is allocated, empowering them to shape the future of their neighborhoods.
The participatory budget process began with a call for ideas from residents, held between December 1st and 8th. During this period, a total of 1,149 proposals were submitted, reflecting a diverse range of priorities and concerns within the Lyon community. These ideas were then carefully reviewed by city services, which assessed their feasibility, alignment with municipal competencies, and compliance with the program’s regulations.
After this evaluation, 233 projects spanning all nine arrondissements (districts) of Lyon were selected for the final vote. These projects encompass a wide spectrum of improvements and enhancements to the city’s public spaces and services. Examples of proposed projects include the installation of fitness equipment in the 1st arrondissement, the creation of a parkour park in the 7th arrondissement, the restoration of a washhouse in the 9th arrondissement, the construction of new pétanque courts, the reactivation of fountains on the slopes of Croix-Rousse, and the reintroduction of historical lampposts on the Pont de l’Université, a project with an estimated cost of €350,000.
Beyond these larger-scale initiatives, the selection also includes smaller, more localized projects that aim to address specific needs and concerns within individual neighborhoods. Among these are proposals for electromagnetic wave measurement devices in the 4th arrondissement (€6,000), a disc golf course in the Parc de Gerland (€20,000), bat houses in the 8th arrondissement (€3,000), and hedgehog crossings in the Croix-Rousse district (€10,000).
The total budget allocated to this second iteration of the participatory budget program is €12.5 million. This significant investment underscores the city’s commitment to citizen engagement and its belief in the power of participatory decision-making.
According to Lyon’s mayor, Grégory Doucet, the participatory budget initiative empowers citizens to become active agents of change. "Through the participatory budget, every citizen becomes an actor of change," he stated. "For this second edition, we wanted participation to emerge from all neighborhoods with a concern to include the most remote inhabitants, both for the collection of ideas and for the vote."
To ensure broad accessibility and inclusivity, the city is offering multiple voting options. In addition to online voting, which allows residents to participate from the convenience of their homes, traditional paper ballots will be available at the town halls of each arrondissement. This dual approach aims to accommodate residents who may not have access to the internet or who prefer to vote in person.
The projects that receive the most votes will be implemented by the city of Lyon. This direct link between citizen input and tangible outcomes reinforces the legitimacy and effectiveness of the participatory budget process.
The first edition of Lyon’s participatory budget included a promise to create a temporary green space in the Place Bellecour, a central square in the city. However, this initial plan has since been revised, and the city is now in the process of installing shade structures (ombrières) in the square. This change reflects the evolving needs and priorities of the community, as well as the city’s willingness to adapt its plans based on feedback and new information.
The participatory budget initiative represents a significant step towards greater citizen involvement in local governance. By providing residents with a direct voice in how public funds are spent, the city of Lyon is fostering a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility among its citizens. This collaborative approach to decision-making has the potential to create a more vibrant, responsive, and inclusive community for all. The program not only allocates funds based on citizen input but also serves as a valuable platform for dialogue and engagement between residents and their local government. This can lead to a deeper understanding of community needs and priorities, as well as increased trust and collaboration.
The variety of projects proposed through the participatory budget demonstrates the diverse needs and interests within the Lyon community. From infrastructure improvements to environmental initiatives, the proposals reflect a wide range of priorities. This highlights the importance of providing citizens with a platform to express their unique perspectives and contribute to shaping the future of their city.
The participatory budget process also provides valuable learning opportunities for both residents and city officials. Residents gain a better understanding of the complexities of municipal budgeting and decision-making, while city officials gain insights into the needs and priorities of their constituents. This mutual learning can lead to more informed and effective governance.
