Case study: "Itʼs my Bristol” participatory budgeting

The super-short version

Bristol City Council wanted to put localised spending into the hands of citizens, and so set up an online crowdsourcing space where citizens in 3 wards were given the chance to share and vote on project ideas.

'I think the pilot proved to be very successful, and we have also learned some lessons which will be very useful should we choose to take forward on a wider basis.'
Darren Hall, Bristol Partnership Manager

The longer version

Bristol City Council set aside £15,000 for the wards of Clifton, Clifton East and Cabot to be allocated for spending via an online discussion. This online process ran alongside a series of Town Hall meetings, where citizens got to choose spending priorities in a face-to-face environment.

Bristol City Council set aside £15,000 for the wards of Clifton, Clifton East and Cabot to be allocated for spending via an online discussion. This online process ran alongside a series of Town Hall meetings, where citizens got to choose spending priorities in a face-to-face environment.

To carry out the project, the Council used our Dialogue App, which will enable people to suggest ideas for what the money should be spent on, and allow others to vote for the ideas they supported. Whilst the final decision on spending couldn't legally rest with ʻthe internetʼ, the council committed to stick by the decisions made by participants, so long as they are legal. Vox Populi, Vox Dei! www.ItsmyBristol.org

The final ideas selected were:

1. Events that allow children to play in the street, usually by closing the road to traffic
2. Bridging the gap for people with mental health issues through the use of art and nutrition advice.

Download the Its my Bristol Case Study

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