By bringing participatory budgeting online, Sofia Decides empowers citizens to influence how public funds are spent, strengthening transparency, trust, and democratic ownership over local development.
GIVING CITIZENS A SAY IN LOCAL INVESTMENT
To strengthen public participation in municipal decision-making, Sofia introduced Sofia Decides, a digital platform based on the open-source Decidim framework. Residents can propose ideas for improving their neighbourhoods and vote on projects without visiting municipal offices. Secure e-authentication and residence verification ensure a trusted process, while district committees evaluate proposals, and citizens can track implementation in real time. The platform has created a direct link between community priorities and municipal investment.
TURNING PARTICIPATION INTO DIGITAL DEMOCRACY
Sofia Decides is the first platform in Bulgaria to combine the Decidim framework with national e-authentication systems, enabling secure and fully remote participation. Rather than relying on one-off consultations, the platform supports the entire participatory budgeting process, from submitting ideas to monitoring project delivery. Recognised with the 2025 BAIT Award for Public Administration, the initiative demonstrates how digital tools can make decision-making more open, transparent, and accessible to citizens.
BUILDING A CULTURE OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The platform has led to growing public involvement and tangible improvements across the city. In 2024, 15,000 residents voted to select 77 projects from 370 proposals, while participation increased to more than 24,000 voters in 2025. More than 600 ideas have been submitted, resulting in new playgrounds, sports facilities, street lighting, and other community projects. With 71% of the 2024 projects already under implementation, Sofia Decides is helping to strengthen trust in local government and foster a lasting culture of civic ownership.
