Spotlight On Madrid´s Civic “Decide” Platform
Decide Madrid is a regional governmental platform designed to promote civic engagement and provide a people´s voice in decision-making to improve life for Madrileño residents.
Decide Madrid stands out because its a tool that not only residents, but also visitors can use. There one can propose ideas, participate in debates and even share their thoughts through “Consultas Públicas”.
If there is something which can be improved in Madrid, the section of participative proposals, “Propuestas Ciudadanas”, enables one to share their proposal publically. Through this tool, others accessing are then able to see said proposals and vote based on their interests. Allowing the platform to gage the most relevant and viable changes Madrilenos want to see.
The participative proposals started in 2016. How it works is that anyone over the age of 16 years can present up to five projects regarding public allocation of funds. In the last year, there were, 2,700 projects presented and 189 finalists available for voting.
Of those finalists, 123 projects were approved and have amounted to an investment of 50 million euros, the biggest budget since its launching—thanks to the collaboration of 50,000 voters. These modifications are to happen in 2026-2027, together with a new round of project proposals.
Of this budget, 15 million will be allocated to 23 projects directed for the development, not of specific districts, but of the entire city. What can be expected is an increase in Urban forestry, cultural centers, and festival celebrations— together with the other 100 district focused improvements.
One can find similar projects also happening in other countries. The Participatory Budgeting, which Madrid has successfully adopted was originally an initiative that started in 1989 in Porto Alegre, Brazil—during which they were able to raise 54 million Euros to improve infrastructure and services in the poorest part of the region.
The UK has tried to do the same but, “most cases of participatory budgeting have been small scale community grant allocations.”
According to the Participatory Budgeting World Atlas 2020-2021, there were 221 capital cities which had adopted Porto Alegre’s civic innovation with South America leading polls with 53 capital cities participating.
Its clear that the capital of Spain has no plans in stopping Decide Madrid—and projects like these stimulates civic duty and strengthen the bond between government and constituents. Madrid is actually in the process of introducing their next round of proposals for 2026-2027 and will be accepting submission until the 17th of March.
These changes which are being made remind us the relevance of one’s individuale role on politics. For more information one can access this page, and even show your support for current proposals which are being debated on before the final voting.
Photo Credits Portal Web del Ayuntamiento de Madrid
