One of the main challenges facing Georgian municipalities is ensuring that citizens exercise their right to contribute to the development of their community through the municipal budget development process. Municipal budgets are one of the most critical pieces of policy documentation at the local level, outlining the infrastructural, social, economic and cultural priorities of the municipal government. However, budgets are highly technical, and it is often difficult for citizens to understand how they can actively participate in setting local priorities and in determining how their taxes should be spent and allocated. 

To address this issue, CEPPS/NDI produced “A Guide for Citizens: What Should We Know About the Municipal Budget,” a comprehensive document designed for citizens interested in understanding and getting involved in the local budgetary process, including its planning, review and approval phases. It provides information on key topics related to the local budget process, such as the authority and responsibilities of the local self-government, the issues that can be resolved with municipal finances, the powers of local authorities and the bodies involved in the budgetary process. The Guidebook highlights best practices and successful collaborations between citizens and local authorities. The guidebook also gives citizens a better understanding of the local budget, including its funding sources and how it is spent.

Overall, the Guidebook is an essential tool for citizens who want to actively participate in the budgeting process and make a positive impact on their community. It emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement mechanisms and their significance in ensuring transparency and accountability. The guidebook also encourages citizens to work collaboratively with local authorities. Through this partnership, citizens can achieve greater transparency and accountability, ultimately leading to a stronger and more vibrant community.

The Citizen’s Guidebook follows the development of the Sakrebulo Member’s Guide to the Budget, published by NDI. The Sakrebulo Member’s Guide enhances the ability of elected municipal leaders to fulfill budgetary responsibilities and promote citizen participation in the municipal budget development process. This guidebook has proven to be an invaluable resource, particularly for political party representatives who may possess limited expertise in matters related to budgeting. Its implementation has effectively empowered members of Sakrebulo to actively engage citizens and solicit their perspectives and recommendations concerning budget priorities by enhancing elected officials' communication and outreach strategies. In tandem, the Citizen’s Guide and the Sakrebulo Member’s Guide facilitate greater citizen participation and feedback in determining priorities during the development of municipal budgets, increasing the accountability of elected officials to respond to the needs of their constituents.