With a budget of 1.5 million euros, the Landes Citizen Participatory Budget finances projects carried out and voted for by the Landes and people showing an interest in the Landes. 10% of this amount is reserved for projects submitted by young people aged 7 to 17.
With the launch of the fourth edition of the Landes Citizen Participatory Budget (BPC40), residents of the Landes department can once again submit their ideas and actively participate in the development of their territory. This initiative, which is distinguished by its participatory philosophy, its eligibility criteria, and some changes in its regulations, aims to bring citizens closer to public action. For those interested, the idea submission phase will take place from November 4 to 30, 2024.
The genesis of BPC40
Xavier Fortinon, president of the Department of Landes, is at the origin of this initiative: “The initial idea comes from the observation of the distance between the population and the institutions. Nobody knows exactly what the Departmental Council does. The Landes Citizen Participatory Budget is a way of getting closer to the people we serve throughout their lives. Citizens are given carte blanche to implement their ideas. » With this system, the Departmental Council wishes to reinvent the link between institutions and residents.
Project eligibility criteria
The BPC40 is aimed at all Landais or people attached to the region. With a total budget of 1.5 million euros, it finances projects selected by citizens themselves. Of this envelope, 10% is reserved for projects submitted by young people aged 7 to 17, thus encouraging the involvement of younger people.
Proposed ideas must meet several eligibility criteria:
- Project type : only investment projects, such as work or the purchase of equipment. Funding for recurring jobs or services is not supported.
- Domains : the projects must fall within the fields of action of the Departmental Council, including solidarity, education, youth, sport, the environment, tourism, culture, digital technology, local development, agriculture, road safety, and sustainable development.
- Scope : each idea must benefit the community and have collective significance.
- Budget maximum : the proposed projects must not exceed €50,000 for adults, and €30,000 for “Youth” projects.
Who can participate?
Participation in BPC40 is open to all: individuals, associations, families, neighbors, various groups, etc. To submit an idea, simply go to the dedicated website: budgetparticipatif.landes.fr. Whether you are a citizen of Landes or simply attached to the region, everyone can contribute to the dynamism of the territory.
Changes to the 2024-2025 regulations
This year, the rules have been simplified to encourage more participants and provide more fairness between the projects submitted. Sylvie Bergeroo, departmental advisor in charge of participatory democracy, explains: “We have simplified the regulations, in particular the rules for determining the winners for greater fairness. The maximum amount is set at €50,000 for adult projects and €30,000 for young people, which allows us to increase the number of winners. From now on too, each citizen will vote for three projects. »
Other notable changes:
- Submission of ideas : ideas must now be submitted exclusively online on the official website.
- Opportunity for former winners : the winners of the first edition in 2019 can now present themselves with new proposals.
- Support for participants : online information sessions, “Le 1 p.m. du BPC40”, will be organized to answer questions from project leaders.
These adjustments aim to increase citizen participation while ensuring equitable distribution of funding.
The impact of BPC40 on local life
Over the years, the Landes Citizen Participatory Budget has demonstrated a positive impact on local life. According to Sylvie Bergeroo, the projects supported have contributed to creating dynamics of solidarity and intergenerational collaboration: “I have very positive feedback on the achievements. They create territorial dynamics and intergenerational links. The BPC40 allows citizens to express themselves, to learn the democratic process and the challenges linked to the implementation of public policy, and for elected officials to identify local needs to adjust their policies. »
This initiative illustrates the desire of the Landes Departmental Council to involve each resident in the construction of a more inclusive territory and closer to the aspirations of its citizens. The BPC40 is not only a tool for financing local projects but also a vector for strengthening social and democratic ties, allowing everyone to work for a collective future.
To participate, go to budgetparticipatif.landes.fr and make your voice heard in the service of the Landes!
