CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND GOVERNANCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT DECISION MAKING PROCESSES AND ADDRESSING CHALLENGES

Povzetek

Citizen participation in local government decision
making is increasingly recognized as a crucial element for
enhancing democratic governance and improving the quality of public services. This paper investigates the role of
citizen involvement in local governance, focusing on its impact on decision making processes, transparency, and
accountability. The study aims to understand how local governments incorporate citizen feedback in to policy
development and to explore the challenges hindering effective participation. A mixed methods approach is
employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data from case studies, surveys, and in depth interviews with local
government officials, po licymakers, and citizens. The research analyzes case studies from municipalities with
varying levels of citizen engagement, assessing the effectiveness of participatory mechanisms such as public
consultations, participatory budgeting, and online platforms. Surveys are conducted to evaluate citizens' perceptions
of participation processes and identify barriers, especially for marginalized groups. Findings indicate that inclusive
participatory processes lead to better policy outcomes, as citizens feel more in volved and their concerns are
addressed. However, challenges such as low civic education, socio economic disparities, political resistance, and
institutional inefficiencies continue to impede the full potential of citizen participation. The paper suggests strategies
for overcoming these barriers, such as enhancing civic education, fostering political will, and utilizing digital tools
for broader engagement. This study contributes to the discourse on participatory governance by providing actionable
recommend ations for improving citizen involvement in local government decision making, with the ultimate aim of
strengthening democratic processes and enhancing governance quality.