Munich Empowers Citizens with One Million Euro Budget for City Enhancement
Munich, February 26 – The city of Munich has launched an innovative citizen participation initiative, dedicating one million euros to projects proposed and voted on by its residents. This “Munich Budget” aims to enhance the quality of life in the Bavarian capital, allowing citizens to directly influence urban development.
Trees, Wildflowers, and Outdoor Dance Floors: Citizens’ Top Choices
Among the first projects to receive funding is the planting of trees near the main train station, a proposal that garnered over 1,300 votes. The city will invest 100,000 euros to plant three trees, addressing residents’ desire for more green spaces and shade.
Other popular ideas from the 2025 initiative included planting wildflowers in green strips and installing “water benches” – seating areas designed to collect rainwater and provide habitats for plants and animals. Three to six such benches are now slated for installation.
Perhaps one of the most unique proposals, receiving over 1,000 votes, is the creation of an outdoor salsa dance floor in Munich’s Ostpark. This 90,000-euro project is expected to be completed by summer 2026, offering a new recreational space for residents.
How the Citizen Budget Works
The process for allocating the Munich Budget is designed to be highly democratic:
- Idea Submission: Citizens submit their project ideas via an online portal.
- Voting: The 20 proposals with the most votes are selected for further consideration.
- Expert Review and Cost Estimation: City departments evaluate the feasibility of these top 20 ideas and provide cost estimates for all implementable projects. Individual measures cannot exceed 100,000 euros.
- Final Selection: Citizens then cast their votes again to choose the best projects from the remaining viable proposals.
In 2025, the inaugural year of the “citizen million,” over 460 proposals were submitted, demonstrating strong public engagement.
A Growing Trend in Citizen Participation Across Bavaria
Munich’s initiative is part of a broader trend in Bavaria, where more and more municipalities are empowering their residents to decide on the allocation of public funds. These citizen budgets vary in size, from 10,000 euros in smaller communities to one million euros in larger cities.
- Gersthofen (Augsburg district): Annually allocated 100,000 euros. In 2025, funds were used for two drinking fountains, new benches, and a cargo bike for rent.
- Unterschleißheim (Munich district): Invested its 100,000-euro budget entirely in renovating a beloved bowling alley.
- Schondorf am Ammersee: Has provided a 10,000-euro annual budget for seven years, funding projects like an artificial stork’s nest, a pickleball court, and making an archaeologically valuable Roman bath complex accessible.
Budgetary Challenges Threaten Citizen Initiatives Elsewhere
Despite the proven benefits of citizen participation in fostering identification with one’s hometown and combating political apathy, some municipalities are facing difficulties in maintaining these budgets. The strained financial situation of many Bavarian municipalities is putting these unbureaucratically available funds at risk. Some are now only allocated every two years, while others have been completely frozen. For instance, Ingolstadt, which previously allocated one million euros annually, has suspended its citizen budget until 2029.
However, Munich remains committed to its successful project, with residents currently able to submit ideas for the 2026 Munich Budget.
The initiative highlights a commitment to direct democracy and showcases how communities can empower their residents to actively shape their urban environment.
