Transforming Democracy: An Environmental Scan of Participatory Budgeting Processes in Canada and Internationally

Abstract

This report presents the results of a McMaster Research Shop project for the Hamilton Students for Justice (HS4J), formerly known as the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Kids Need Help. Through this project, a review of participatory budgeting (PB) models and practices was conducted in order to examine existing knowledge, provide information related to best practices and suggest recommendations for community organizing in Hamilton. Research methods for this project include a literature review and an environmental scan. A literature review was conducted in order to examine outcomes related to PB in Canada and internationally. Results identified six models of PB and highlight various outcomes of PB compared to conventional budgeting practices, including the reallocation of budgets to better serve social priorities and the minimization of inequities between communities. Challenges of PB include difficulties with transparency, low levels of participation, and logistics. Three recommendations for best practices were also identified: 1) Include a diverse group of people throughout the PB process; 2) Garner support for PB from city officials; and 3) Establish clear and shared definitions of the rules of PB. Results from our environmental scan of PB practices within Canada and internationally, including the cities of Peterborough, Victoria, Seattle, Paris, and Madrid, identified unique processes and outcomes. In these communities, PB projects improved infrastructure, enhanced community services, and increased civic engagement. Based on our research, we provided three recommendations for HS4J to consider when advocating for the expansion of PB throughout the City of Hamilton: 1) Establish a strong network; 2) Develop a marketing plan to attract and engage residents; and 3) Continue developing a People’s Budget that provides an alternative to the current budget provided by City Council.