The “Local Initiative” is a form of cooperation between local authorities and the population that allows public tasks to be performed for the benefit of the community.
During the “Local Initiative”, suggestionss come directly from the citizens, settlements, neighbourhoods, comradeships what issue (problem) should be solved and the citizens itself participates in solving this problem. The contribution of the population is manifested both in physical labour, in cash, or in other materials.
Quote – “If you and your neighbors, or friends, have any idea about a particular issue that is important to you and your community, you can apply to City Hall to fulfil that idea together.”
Handbook for Active Citizens, Warsaw, 2016.
“In the place of devastated lawns, residents planted flowers, shrubs, and trees blooming at different times. Two new green areas have been created, places where you can sit on newly installed benches and relax. Thanks to working together we changed not only our environment but also the relation between community “
Because it is a form of cooperation between the local government and the population. With the help of the City Hall, the residents implement their ideas for the benefit of the community. The more active the citizens are, the stronger is the municipality.
The project can be submitted directly by local residents or with the support of a non-governmental organization
It is possible in all settlements (city, district center, village, small town, etc.). The main thing is that the initiative shall be coming from the population. It is implemented in Khulo, Shuakhevi, Keda and Khelvachauri municipalities.
The local initiative is the decision of the population. They identify the problem on the spot and work with the local government to eliminate it.
During the ,,Local Initiative”, the City Hall does not transfer funds, it supports the fulfillment of tasks by purchasing the services and/or materials needed to implement the organizational or local initiative. It is possible to raise money from business. The population can also contribute and, in the form of co-financing, invest in the various resources available, both material and physical (eg, labor).
Officials evaluate the project submitted under the local initiative according to pre-established criteria.
A “Local initiative” is a legal process. The legal norms of citizen participation in exercising of self-government are mainly spelled out in the General Administrative Code of Georgia and the Organic Law on Local Self-Government, additional mechanisms are also provided by the regulations of Sakrebulo.
The “Local Initiative” can be developed with any amount, depending on the existing capacity of the settlement and the value of the contribution of the residents.
Cash is replaced by physical labor, materials and other resources within the co-participation of the population.
Application can be submitted at any time throughout the year.
The law does not specify deadlines. Due to the international and Georgian practice, it is mostly implemented till the end of the given year.
External Learning and Engagement Opportunities
– More info about Academy of Participation
