The trend of participatory budgets has fallen back in Metz. The central city experienced the peak of this measure in 2019, under the left, with the establishment of an “eco-citizen participatory budget”. The adventure continues, however, at its neighbor in Montigny-lès-Metz. And that’s no small feat! “Our services received around sixty projects this year,” explains the mayor, Jean-Luc Bohl. We selected a dozen. » The popular enthusiasm is palpable.
There are festive ideas: volleyball net at Vacquinière (the park already has basketball, cycling and football), public barbecue at Prairies Jean-Marie-Pelt (15,000 euros all the same!) or even the installation of a zip line for children in the Espace Europa park (30,000 euros). Not really original ideas: install benches, trash cans or book boxes here and there. “UFO” ideas on the territory, such as these projects for breastfeeding benches in parks. In reality a bench incorporating a changing table in the center. We wonder why “breastfeeding”, because dads normally have the superpower of changing diapers in 2024.
Encourage a “voluntary mentality”
This final list is submitted to a vote by all citizens, to identify three projects. “We will devote 100,000 euros to carrying out these three initiatives,” explains Jean-Luc Bohl. Residents can vote online until October 31, on the City website, but also at the ballot boxes at City Hall and in neighborhood town halls. In 2023, the indoor bicycle park at the swimming pool was financed from the participatory budget, for example. Certainly, the 100,000 euros spent annually since 2021 are modest, compared to the municipality’s investment budget of 5 million euros per year. “But it develops a voluntary mentality among residents,” explains Jean-Luc Bohl. There is a concrete commitment to local life. »
Related News :