Mechanisms of Public Participation in the Budgetary Process at the Municipal Level

In this study analyzed the mechanisms of public participation in the budget process of municipalities. As part of the study of the theoretical underpinnings, popular participation in the budget process abroad and in the Russian Federation was taken into account. Different approaches were considered to a definition of “public participation” and proposes an author's definition. Legal framework of public participation in the formation and execution of the local budget was examined. In practical terms, considered forms of citizens' participation that are used in socially significant projects. Interviews and survey among stakeholders were conducted as part of the research. The data obtained were processed, visualized and described. On basis of these points, methodological recommendations for evaluation of public participation in the budget process of municipalities were developed. Citizen participation in process of local budgets in municipalities of Perm Territory was estimated based on the recommendations. Advice is made to improve mechanisms of public participation in budget execution of the municipal level. The developed methodology can be used by other subjects of the Russian Federation to assess their own situation in the field of public participation in the budget process.