Local democracy is a powerful tool that allows for people’s energies, resources and experience to emerge and merge with that fundamental pillar that is good local governance. Citizens’ mobilization at the local level is key for social and economic development and serves as a problem-solving process where other solutions are hardly in sight, especially when it comes to limited funding or infrastructural plans. 

The program in Moldova and Ukraine researched four very different municipalities and communities, both small and big, central and decentralized, and assessed the potential for citizen participation by uncovering existing practices and analyzing future possibilities for empowerment. The resulting outcomes are encouraging and pave the way for further support to local participatory democracy. The book presents the research, tools and practical recommendations for development.