ofthe Participatory Budgeting Process (July–November

30 Brian Wampler

time limits help to keep the meeting moving along.Deliberation over priorities and projects occurs informally,as participants analyze the probable level of resources for their region and begin negotiating with one another over proposed projects.Citizen delegates are not paid for their participation,although some municipalities provide bus fare to offset the transportation costs.

The second round ofthe process defines the policies and projects that the government will implement in the coming fiscal year (or even two years) (table 1.3).By this stage,participants should have acquired sufficient information to promote the priorities oftheir communities and to make decisions at the regional meetings.Final decisions on specific public works projects or the definition ofgeneral social priorities are made at the regional meetings.

Distribution ofresources is based on two criteria.The first is the Quality ofLife Index.Each region receives a specific percentage ofthe budget depending on its overall need.Wealthier regions with more advanced infrastructure receive a smaller percentage than poorer regions with less formal infrastructure.The goal is to ensure that the limited resources available are spent in the poorest neighborhoods and on the most vulnerable sections of the population.Democracies tend to favor organized groups,with middleand upper-income groups having the greatest advantages.Participatory

TABLE 1.3 Roles ofGovernment and Participants during the Second Round ofthe Participatory Budgeting Process (July–November)

Government’s role Participants’ role

Regional meetings Draft initial cost estimates for proposed Debate proposed policies or public works. projects. Distribute information and arrange a “bus Visit proposed public works projects. caravan ofpriorities” in each district. Monitor vote. Vote on policies or public works to be implemented. Oversee Municipal Budget Council. Elect two representatives from each region to Municipal Budget Council.

Neighborhood meetings Have technical staffwork closely with Continue to mobilize citizens on behalfof oversight committees. projects and policies. Draft technical plans. Elect oversight committees; approve technical plans.

Source: Author.