A Comparative Analysis of Participatory Budgeting Models: Evaluating Efficacy and Stakeholder Engagement in Urban Governance

Abstract

The practice of participatory budgeting (PB) has gained traction as a democratic innovation aimed at enhancing civic engagement and accountability in public resource allocation. This article employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of PB outcomes across various urban settings and qualitative interviews with stakeholders involved in PB processes. We assess the impact of different PB models on civic participation and satisfaction among community members. Our findings reveal significant variance in engagement levels and perceived effectiveness of resource use, dependent on contextual factors such as community demographics and existing governance frameworks. This study contributes to the public administration literature by elucidating the operational dynamics of PB and highlighting critical pathways for optimizing stakeholder involvement while reinforcing transparency in urban governance structures. The implications for policy and practice underscore the importance of adaptive strategies in fostering inclusive participation for improved public administration outcomes.