European inventory of
societal values of culture

Luehrs & Heaven - The future of participatory budgeting

Luehrs, R., & Heaven, J. (2012). The future of participatory budgeting: political participation and practicable policy. In Aaron Delwiche and Jennifer Jacobs Henderson (eds) The participatory cultures handbook, (153-162). Routledge. EISBN 9780203117927

The authors argue that in an age of increasing transparency, as the public is let ever further into the workings of government, they may be disappointed to find that their demands and expectations are not met. But in order to make positive change, citizens will need to understand the reality of how policy is made, including an appreciation of what can be achieved with limited resources. This will not only lead to policy-makers changing their ways, but also to citizens who will learn not just to make demands but to prioritise and justify them in financial terms.
This conversation between public servants and the public about what should, and can, be achieved with limited resources must eventually be part of every participatory process if citizens are to have a serious impact on politics. In short, citizens will learn to “get real,” and participatory budgeting will change from a standalone consultation exercise to a built-in “reality check” in every participation exercise.