Guide for participatory budgeting in Estonia

A practical Estonian guide for municipalities on how to implement participatory budgeting, with legal templates and communication advice.

Published in 2018 by the Estonian Ministry of Public Administration, this resource provides a comprehensive step-by-step manual for municipalities to implement participatory budgeting (PB). It is based on Estonia’s early experiences with PB, which began in 2013 in the city of Tartu.

The guide defines PB as the involvement of non-elected residents in the planning and distribution of a municipality’s public budget. It outlines key stages of the process — idea collection, feasibility assessment, public deliberation, voting, and implementation — and emphasizes that residents have the final say through a binding vote. It also includes communication strategies, evaluation practices, and legal framework examples (including a sample municipal regulation).

The Estonian model is characterized by digital participation, universal voting rights for all local residents aged 16 and older, and a focus on small-scale public goods. The guide encourages transparency, realistic timelines, and inclusivity, while warning against superficial implementation that could damage public trust.

Source: Ministry of Public Administration (Rahandusministeerium)
Language: Estonian

Year of publication: 2018