In the so-called »budget participatif«, voters in Paris have regularly participated in debates and votes since 2014, in which they directly and bindingly decided on a part of the city budget (around 37 million euros). Parisians can propose and select several projects that will subsequently be implemented by the city administration. 500 million euros (corresponding to 5% of the city budget) should be spent on these projects during the six-year term of Mayor Anne Hidalgo (2014-2020). Anyone who wants to can become part of the participatory budget. Projects can also be submitted by all citizens. The projects submitted between January and March will be voted on the following autumn. The selected projects are then realised. In most cases, these are projects that directly improve the quality of life of the citizens, including: Green spaces, bicycle paths, green roofs, shelters for refugees or the homeless, community gardens or recycling facilities.

Direct citizen participation and the right for citizens to vote on projects for which public funds are to be used. Improvement of the quality of life and identification of citizens with their own city.

The model of participatory budgeting in the hands of citizens is now also used in other French cities such as Metz, Grenoble and Rennes. Budget Participatif has realised over 1000 projects to date. In 2014, 15,000 Parisians took part in the voting. In municipalities with participatory budgeting, citizens can better identify with their city. In many places, the practice leads to positive changes in the living space. Similar concepts have also been introduced in Germany.