Democracy Reinvented : Participatory Budgeting and Civic Innovation in America

Participatory Budgeting - the experiment in democracy that could redefine how public budgets are decided in the U.S. Reinvesting in Democracy is the first comprehensive academic treatment of participatory budgeting in the United States, situating it within a broader trend of civic technology and innovation. This global phenomenon started in Brazil in 1989 but came to America only in 2009. It has recently been called ""revolutionary civics in action"" by the New York Times. Participatory budgeting empowers citizens to identify community needs, work with elected officials to craft budget proposals, and vote on how to spend public funds. Reinvesting in Democracy places participatory budgeting within the larger discussion of the health of U.S. democracy and focuses on the enabling political and institutional conditions. Author and former White House policy adviser Hollie Russon Gilman presents theoretical insights, in-depth case studies, and interviews to offer a compelling alternative to the current citizen disaffection and mistrust of government. She offers policy recommendations on how to tap online tools and other technological and civic innovations to promote more inclusive governance. While the literature tends to focus on institutional changes without offering pragmatic ways in which ordinary people can become engaged, this book suggests practical solutions that empower citizens to become change agents. Reinvesting in Democracy also includes a discussion on the challenges and opportunities that come with using digital tools to re-engage citizens in governance.