Reinventing Participatory Democracy? Lessons from 25 years of experiments in Ghent

REINVENTING PARTICIPATORY DEMOCARCY?

Lessons from 25 years of experiments in Ghent

Why look to Ghent to rethink participatory democracy?

Because this city is a reference point in Europe: progressive governance, 25 years of experience, and international recognition in citizen participation.

At the end of 2023 , Ghent set itself a challenge: to draw lessons from 25 years of participatory practices in order to reinvent the future of participation.

The goal? An unfiltered review of successes and failures to imagine the next decade:

· Better understand those who feel excluded,

· Make the impact tangible for everyone,

· Define a clear participation contract,

· Strengthen a capacity for action among citizens and public services

· Map engagement neighborhood by neighborhood,

· Etc.

The result of a year of collective assessment and experimentation, this publication goes beyond a simple overview: it offers concrete proposals to strengthen participation, on the side of both citizens and institutions. An inspiring book for any city seeking a more inclusive and effective democratic model.