Through participatory budgeting, a Democracy Month, and a volunteer platform, Koekelberg makes civic engagement a permanent part of local life.
BUILDING A CULTURE OF PARTICIPATION
Koekelberg is the third youngest municipality in Belgium, and actively involving young people in local decision-making is a central priority. The municipality has embedded participatory democracy into everyday governance through the Sustainable Neighbourhood Contract, a legally anchored urban policy tool that revitalises neighbourhoods through an integrated and participatory approach. Within this framework, participatory budgeting enables residents and young people to propose and implement local projects enhancing social cohesion, culture, the environment, and public space, ensuring that local policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the whole community.
FROM BUDGETING TO DIALOGUE
In 2025, Koekelberg launched its first Local Democracy and Participation Month, running from 24 October to 27 November. The initiative created inclusive spaces for dialogue and reflection between citizens, associations, neighbourhood committees, municipal services, and local institutions, with human rights as a foundation of democracy, dignity, and social justice. Complementing this, the volunteer platform "Give a Day" lowers barriers to civic engagement and connects residents to local initiatives year-round, creating a continuous ecosystem of participation that goes well beyond one-off events.
TRUST, OWNERSHIP, AND LONG-TERM ENGAGEMENT
By combining participatory budgeting, a dedicated Democracy Month, and digital civic tools, Koekelberg has built a model that fosters lasting trust between residents and local authorities. The approach empowers underrepresented groups, including first-time participants and youth, to actively shape their environment and take ownership of public space. Embedding participation into regular municipal practice ensures that civic engagement becomes part of everyday local governance rather than a periodic exercise, strengthening social cohesion across the municipality.
