A new strategy to strengthen citizen participation was adopted in the City Council yesterday. These initiatives aim to modernize and further include residents in local decisions.
Since his election in 2008, Christian Estrosi has aimed to place citizen participation at the heart of his actions. The City Council meeting of December 18, 2024, marked a new stage. The goal is clear: to offer residents modern and effective means to be involved in local decisions.
In response to a growing distrust towards institutions, the city of Nice wishes to revitalize citizen dialogue. Four main measures have been adopted:
- Renewed Territorial Councils: these bodies will benefit from an updated charter. Their role will be central to the dialogue between elected officials and residents, particularly in the allocation of participatory budgets.
- Neighborhood Meetings: starting from January 20, 2025, these exchanges will take place every two weeks, except during school holidays. By sector, they will allow listening to residents’ concerns and proposals.
- An interactive digital platform: accessible to all, it will offer the ability to propose, vote on, and track local projects. It also aims to include those who are distant from traditional mechanisms.
- A strengthened participatory budget: endowed with 1.5 million euros, it will give residents a direct role in allocating certain municipal investments.
A commitment that aims to be inclusive and transparent
This strategy aims to modernize participation tools. It intends to be more inclusive and meet the varied expectations of the people of Nice. For the City Council, these new measures reflect a desire to be closer to residents in decision-making that impacts daily life, aiming to increase transparency with those who wish it.
Regular monitoring will be ensured to adjust these initiatives based on residents’ feedback. According to the city, this approach should contribute to restoring trust in institutions and strengthening closeness with citizens.