As cities work to ensure that public investment reflects community priorities, the Municipality of Zapopan, Mexico, an ICLEI Member since 2023, is placing residents at the center of local decision-making. Through its 2026 Participatory Budget Program, more than 183,000 residents helped determine which public works and community projects will receive municipal investment in the coming years.

Residents selected ten priority projects from a shortlist of 30 proposals, including the construction of linear parks, community centers, and the rehabilitation of public spaces. By directing public resources toward projects identified by the community, the program promotes more equitable urban development while strengthening collaboration between local government and residents.

Growing trust through participation

The 2026 edition recorded 183,215 participants, representing a 34.6% increase compared with the 2025 process. Since the program was launched in 2016, participation has grown by more than 250%, reflecting increasing public trust and engagement.

Participation extends well beyond voting. Throughout the year, the municipality organized ten public forums and 181 outreach activities in schools, public squares, markets, and neighborhood spaces to gather community input and encourage participation. The initiative brought together several municipal departments, including Citizen Participation, Public Works and Infrastructure, and Citizen Outreach.

By creating continuous opportunities for dialogue, the program enables residents to help identify local priorities while fostering greater transparency and accountability in public decision-making.

The projects selected this year demonstrate strong community demand for more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable public spaces. Investments in parks, recreational areas, community centers, and upgraded urban infrastructure will improve neighborhood quality of life while creating shared spaces that strengthen social cohesion.

Municipal authorities also note that involving residents in decisions about public spending encourages greater civic responsibility. As communities see tangible results from their participation and tax contributions, confidence in local government continues to grow.

A model for participatory local governance

Following the success of the 2026 program, Zapopan plans to continue expanding participatory budgeting in future editions.

The municipality’s experience demonstrates how local governments can advance equitable development by giving residents a meaningful role in shaping public investment. By aligning municipal spending with community priorities, Zapopan offers a practical example of participatory governance that other cities can adapt to build more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.