The Valga Municipal Council adopted a new participatory budgeting regulation at its meeting on 23 April. This means that already this year, the people of Valga municipality will once again have a say in which community-important idea is implemented in the municipality.
A participatory budget gives people the opportunity to put forward ideas that will make the living environment of Valga municipality better and more modern. This could be, for example, a new facility, a publicly used object, or another investment that will benefit the wider community.
In 2026, the participatory budget will be €26,000. The idea that receives the most support in the public vote will be implemented with this sum. If there is enough money, the implementation of the next idea may also be considered.
“Restoring participatory budgeting was one of our priorities in moving towards open governance,” said the rural municipality mayor, Mart Kase. “The active communities of Valga rural municipality have many good ideas that are waiting for suitable funds to be brought to life. Participatory budgeting offers the opportunity to think through these ideas, write them down, and send them on their way. It's important to dream!” he added.
Ideas can be submitted by anyone interested, and Valga municipality residents aged 16 and over can participate in the public vote. Each person can cast one vote for their favourite idea. The municipality will announce the exact dates for idea submission and the public vote on its website and social media channels.
Valga municipality last implemented participatory budgeting a few years ago. In 2021, a fountain with lighting on the Pedeli river and a basketball court in Lüllemäe were established with the help of participatory budgeting. In 2022, the most supported ideas could not be realised because their cost turned out to be higher than planned. Participatory budgeting did not take place in the intervening years.