Burgerbegroting Maastricht explained
'Burgerbegroting' literally translates to 'citizens' budget'. A citizens’ budget allows you and other residents to decide how government funds will be spent. The idea behind Burgerbegroting Maastricht is to choose projects submitted by residents and then implement these projects. In other words, it's up to you!
In Maastricht since 2020
The first Burgerbegroting in Maastricht was launched in 2020, when the Municipality of Maastricht and the Province of Limburg provided €300,000 of funding. The initiative was very successful, so the municipality increased the budget available in the next edition to €750,000 in 2023. The projects selected in the 2nd edition are being implemented in 2024.
Projects can be submitted for the 3rd edition from 19 August this year. The municipality is making €750,000 available for Burgerbegroting Maastricht 2024, plus the cash left over from the 2nd edition. In total, €798,452 will distributed among the selected projects in 2024.
We think this is important
- It’s up to residents to decide. Burgerbegroting provides the space, resources and assistance necessary to put good ideas into practice.
- Everyone is welcome to participate, both online and in person at the closing event, and to submit your own proposal or vote on the ideas of others. Your opinion matters.
- We’re doing our best to make sure this initiative is inclusive, and that it reaches neighbourhoods where few or no projects have been implemented so far.
- We think it’s really positive when residents forge strong contacts with each other, and this is partly the reason we’re holding a physical event to conclude this programme where people will come together and vote on submitted projects. Attendees will brainstorm with information cards and poker chips, exchanging ideas and opinions and deciding together on the submitted projects.