World Social Forum 5

Participatory Budgeting in the Geopolitical North
An information and networking session at the 2005 World Social Forum

Time: January 27th, 2005 - Time Slot 3
Location: Room F501
Terrain: Social struggles and democratic alternatives - Against neoliberal domination

Event Organizers: Transformative Learning Centre (Toronto), Transnational Institute (Amsterdam)
Contact: Josh Lerner - josh.lerner@utoronto.ca

Summary

A meeting to discuss experiences with and possibilities for participatory budgeting in the geopolitical North. Invited speakers will present information about participatory budgeting programs in Canada and Europe. Participants will then discuss and deliberate approaches, strategies, and techniques for participatory budgeting in the North.

Expected Outcomes

1. Exchange of information and experiences about participatory budgeting programs in the geopolitical North.
2. Development and sharing of new approaches, strategies, and techniques for participatory budgeting in the geopolitical North.
3. Development of new connections and collaboration between participants.

Agenda

1. Introduction of session

2. Introduction of presenters and participants

3. Presentation on PB experiences in Canada

- Toronto Community Housing - TCH representative
- City of Guelph - Estair Van Wagner
- Community University Research Alliance (CURA) PB Program - Josh Lerner

4. Presentation on PB experiences in Europe

- Learning from Latin America: towards participatory local democracy in the North - Daniel Chavez (TNI, Amsterdam)
- Participatory budgeting in Europe - Giovanni Allegretti (University of Florence)
- Paula Garvin - Participatory Budgeting in Sevilla, Spain (Vice-mayor of Sevilla)

5. Additional presentations/contributions of other participants working on PB elsewhere

6. Q&A about presented projects

7. Facilitated discussion about PB issues and networking in the North