Participatory Budget Prompts Mixed Feelings in Paris

A poll gave Parisians direct say over which projects the city government will implement with a new participatory budget. Some city residents relished the opportunity to express their preferences. Others raised concerns.

2 minute read

October 17, 2014, 2:00 PM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Earlier this year, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo announced an innovative program: 426 million Euros set aside through 2020 to build urban improvements chosen directly by Parisians. From the article: "It’s the largest sum of public money ever to have been allocated to such a scheme." From a ballot of 15 projects, the Budget Participatif poll (open September 24 – October 1) selected nine for construction. All Paris residents were encouraged to vote, even those without French citizenship.

The projects chosen this year will cost a total of 20 million Euros. Among them are vegetation walls to improve urban biodiversity, funds for school gardens, new cultural venues to enliven abandoned areas, mobile trash collection points, and co-working spaces for young entrepreneurs. Rejected proposals included some unusual projects: pop-up pools and birthday party "tipis," among others.

Many residents applaud the new program, citing its democratic intentions and inclusiveness. Some see it as an important first step toward directly consulting residents on a wider range of budgetary decisions. Parisians will be able to submit their own proposals online for consideration on next year’s ballot.

The program also drew criticism. Some believe it is a frivolous use of city funding on "Anne Hidalgo’s pet projects that fail to address real problems." Others complain the government failed to make project details clear. Another issue is possible voter fraud: the online poll required only an email address, allowing repeat votes.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 in The Guardian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

"Altadena - Not For Sale" yard sign in front of burned down house after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California in January 2025.

Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations

Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.

6 hours ago - Dwell

Dense multistory residential buildings in hilly San Francisco, California.

Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean

Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?

7 hours ago - The San Francisco Standard

Blue self-driving Ford Transit van shuttle in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US

A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.

July 7 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA