Slashing through the Red Tape: Almaty's Simplified Participatory Budget Process
Almaty locals discuss their strategies for executing their initiatives
In the pulsating heart of Almaty, the application process for the Participatory Budget initiative is running full tilt, with the deadline for submissions clocking in on October 5. This exciting project empowers city dwellers to have a say in how funds are spent by casting their votes on improvement proposals, ranging from sprucing up courtyards to building parks or installing playgrounds and street lighting. And this year, the application process has been made more user-friendly, as reported by Almaty.tv.
Take, for example, Margarita Balakireva, a resident who threw her hat in the ring for the pilot project "Participatory Budget." Last year, she spotted an empty lot in the Almalinsky district, decided it was prime real estate for some greenery, and jumped at the chance to express her vision. As she shared, "I passed by the spot every day while I was working nearby. I thought it could use a makeover, but I was paranoid they'd stick a cafe or parking lot there. So, I figured I'd help green the city instead."
The Participatory Budget initiative first sprang to life last year, with the ambitious goal of handing power back to the people by letting them decide how public money is spent through open voting. In the pilot project, 333 proposals were submitted, with a whopping 55 making the cut and being implemented.
Balakireva continued to enthuse, "Usually, we're just told what to do. But with this project, Almaty residents get to decide how we want our city to look."
If you're eager to join the action, head on over to budget.open-almaty.kz and submit your project descriptions or improvement suggestions. The voting and selection of initiatives will also take place on this very site.
"These applications are sent to the relevant authorities, but we keep a close eye on their responses to ensure that residents' issues are genuinely addressed, not just given form replies," noted Aliya Zhaksalykov, director of the Department of Public Communications of AO "Almaty City Development Center."
The initiative kicked off on August 28, and over 90 projects have already been accumulated for evaluation by the commission. Each district has been allocated 800 million tenge.
"Last year, it was 500 million tenge, but if we reach that limit, the application process doesn't halt," reassured Almas Batanov, head of the city's Strategy and Budget Department.
To make the process even friendlier for the folks of Almaty, application conditions have been streamlined this year. Residents proposing their projects can now choose from provided standard documents instead of shelling out a budget or sketch.
For a broader perspective on how economic and governance initiatives might influence Almaty's participatory processes, consider the following:
- Economic Support Programs: Kazakhstan boasts several programs aimed at bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises, such as the "Business Roadmap 2025" program, which offers financial support through concessional lending, microfinance, and grants. These endeavors reflect a nationwide commitment to engaging local communities in economic development.
- Government Initiatives for Tourism and Infrastructure: Kazakhstan's government has been instrumental in regulating and nurturing the tourism sector via licensing systems, quality labels, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce training. These efforts could serve as a template for participatory budgeting projects by involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making.
- Almaty and Regional Developments: Almaty has experienced advancements in infrastructure, including the addition of new metro lines, though progress may sometimes stall. This indicates that while challenges in infrastructure development may persist, the city remains a prime zone for economic and urban planning initiatives.
For more in-depth insights into how participatory budgeting in Almaty has evolved in recent times and what new conditions may apply this year, it's advisable to consult local government resources or community engagement platforms in Almaty. These platforms are likely to provide updates on the Participatory Budget's journey over the past year and offer insights into fresh application requirements.
- Margarita Balakireva, inspired by the city's empty lot, decided to submit a proposal to the Participatory Budget initiative for home-and-garden improvements, as part of this year's simplified application process.
- With the new home-and-garden proposals pouring in, the Participatory Budget process in Almaty's city planning reflects a broader shift towards lifestyle-focused changes, driven by the empowerment of residents to decide how public funds are spent.
