Budapest’s Community Budget Vote Unveils 13 Exciting New Projects

In a remarkable display of democratic participation, the citizens of Budapest have spoken, deciding how to allocate one billion forints in this year’s Community Budget Vote. The results are in, and 13 innovative projects are set to transform the city, ranging from rain gardens and container houses to lockers on Margaret Island. Let’s dive into the details of these exciting initiatives that will shape Budapest’s future.

Empowering the People

The Community Budget Vote, an annual event since 2019, empowers Budapest’s residents to have a direct say in the city’s development projects. This year, over 29,000 people cast their votes across five categories: Local Small Ideas, Local Big Ideas, Green Budapest, Opportunity-Creating Budapest, and Open Budapest. The voting period lasted until October 7th, and the winning projects were announced on Mayor Gergely Karácsony’s Facebook page.

Local Small Ideas

In the Local Small Ideas category, eight projects emerged victorious. These projects, each with a specific location and a maximum budget of 50 million forints, aim to enhance the city’s livability. Notable winners include the greening of Váci Road and Üllői Road, the installation of lockers on Margaret Island and in Népliget, and the connection of existing bicycle routes at Móricz Zsigmond Circus. Additionally, the VIII. district will benefit from a dog waste management initiative, while a new pedestrian access point to the Danube promenade will be created at Haller Street.

Local Big Ideas

The Local Big Ideas category saw two impressive projects emerge as winners. Margaret Island will receive another public toilet, a much-needed amenity for visitors. Meanwhile, the Corvin Quarter underpass will undergo an artistic transformation, breathing new life into the area. These projects, with budgets of 120 million and 60 million forints respectively, will significantly improve the city’s infrastructure and aesthetics.

Green Budapest

In the Green Budapest category, the “Rainwater Collection in Rain Gardens” project took the top spot. With a budget of 120 million forints, this initiative aims to create sustainable water management solutions throughout the city. By collecting and utilizing rainwater in designated gardens, Budapest will take a significant step towards becoming a greener and more environmentally conscious metropolis.

Opportunity-Creating Budapest

The Opportunity-Creating Budapest category focused on projects that promote social inclusion and support marginalized communities. The winning project, “Container Houses for Homeless Families,” will provide much-needed housing solutions for those in need. With a budget of 120 million forints, this project showcases Budapest’s commitment to creating a more equitable and compassionate society.

Open Budapest

In the Open Budapest category, the winning project aims to establish well-lit pedestrian crossings throughout the city. With a budget of 120 million forints, this initiative will enhance pedestrian safety and encourage more people to walk, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant urban environment.

Assessing the Impact

To ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the Community Budget Vote, the Two-Tailed Dog Party proposed conducting a retrospective impact assessment during the first meeting of the Budapest Assembly. This assessment will examine why certain projects from previous years have been delayed or not implemented. The proposal, along with its amendments, was approved, demonstrating the city’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Budapest’s Community Budget Vote serves as a shining example of participatory democracy in action. By engaging citizens in the decision-making process, the city ensures that the projects implemented align with the needs and desires of its residents. The 13 winning projects, spanning various categories, reflect the diverse priorities of Budapest’s population. From environmental sustainability and social inclusion to infrastructure development and artistic expression, these initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to making Budapest an even more vibrant, livable, and inclusive city. As the projects come to fruition, the impact of the Community Budget Vote will be felt by generations to come, showcasing the power of collective decision-making in shaping a brighter future for all.

Image source: City Hall of Budapest