Citizens and the Administration decide together, for the first time, how to invest 20 million euros throughout the territory to protect urban decor.
The intervention proposals, presented by residents in Rome and by those who study or work in the city, have been published on the institutional portal and have collected online support. Those that passed this first step were evaluated by an Administration Board, for a technical-economic feasibility viability. At the end of its work, 111 proposals were admitted to the final consultation. The projects mainly focused on the redevelopment of green areas, squares and urban spaces, the creation of cycle and pedestrian paths, playgrounds, dog areas and fitness trails. In the territory of Municipality IX EUR, the following were funded:
1. Torrino livable between square and cycle paths - The redevelopment involves the creation of a public pedestrian space, as a place for meeting, entertainment and party. A square with green spaces, to recreate a more welcoming territory, particularly felt by children, young people and adults of all ages.
2. Securing of Laurentina park area “Libellule Gutenberg” - Give the neighborhood a park that can be used again, where you can spend some time outdoors and let the children play in total safety.
3. Securing the park of “cisterna romana – Torrino – via Mar della Cina” - Allow the full use of the green area, in total safety, adapting the entire area to the intergenerational needs.
4. Restoration of accessibility and redevelopment of the park of “via Vitaliano Rotellini - Tor de’ Cenci” - Redevelop an area dramatically abandoned for decades.
Resources needed
The projects and the realization of the works are managed by the Technical Directorate of City Hall IX Rome EUR with human resources available in its staff. The funds earmarked for individual projects are:
1: EUR 89.589
2: EUR 80.000
3: EUR 50.000
4: EUR 35,000
Evidence of success
The participation to the identification and then to the selection of the proposals submitted by the residents and Municipalities was huge. Over 900 proposals were initially submitted for funding by 24.000 citizens. 159.000 preferences were expressed during the different steps of the consultation phases. This project represented a great experience of participatory democracy.
Difficulties encountered
The main difficulty lies in the funds allocated which, in some cases, did not allow the entire required intervention to be carried out. It was, in fact, necessary to reduce the works and to limit, in some cases, the area of intervention.
Potential for learning or transfer
The participatory budget is a model of urban governance in which citizens decide and plan priorities for their city. The participatory budget is also a cultural project that teaches those who experience it the importance of information and reports in solving problems and in the search for shared and sustainable solutions. Citizens’ demands are based on “hot” themes of the city of Rome such as green areas, urban spaces and cycle-pedestrian mobility (also along the Tiber River).
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