Berlin, Germany – November 26, 2025 — Starting 1 December, residents of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg will have a direct say in how €50 million in city funds are allocated for local projects in 2026, following the introduction of an advanced digital platform by the Berlin Senate. The initiative marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to make budget planning more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to community needs.
The new platform, built on the existing mein.berlin.de infrastructure, has been enhanced with interactive tools designed to simplify the process of submitting, discussing, and voting on project ideas. Residents can propose initiatives ranging from green spaces and cultural events to digital infrastructure and social services. The platform will remain open for submissions and voting throughout December, with final decisions on funded projects to be announced in early 2026.
This approach builds on Berlin’s experience with participatory budgeting in other districts, such as Treptow-Köpenick, where digital participation has already led to increased engagement and more efficient administrative workflows. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg’s pilot is notable for its scale and the integration of smart city technologies, which aim to ensure that participation is accessible to a broad spectrum of residents, including those who may not typically engage in traditional civic processes.
The platform features multilingual support, accessibility tools for people with disabilities, and guided workflows to help users navigate the budgeting process. Residents can also join online forums to discuss proposals, provide feedback, and collaborate on refining ideas. The system is designed to encourage constructive dialogue and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in the final selection of projects.
City officials emphasised that the participatory budgeting process is structured to be both informative and empowering. Before voting begins, residents will have access to detailed information about the city’s budget, the areas eligible for funding, and the criteria used to evaluate proposals. This transparency is intended to help participants make informed choices and contribute meaningful ideas that reflect the priorities of their communities.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen civic engagement and make local government more responsive to the needs of Berliners. By involving residents directly in budget decisions, the city aims to foster a sense of ownership and accountability, while also ensuring that public funds are used in ways that deliver tangible benefits for neighbourhoods.
Community leaders and local organisations have welcomed the new platform, noting that it provides a valuable opportunity for residents to shape the future of their district. “This is a chance for people to come together, share their ideas, and see their suggestions turn into real projects that improve our streets, parks, and community spaces,” said a spokesperson for a local residents’ association.
The Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg pilot is also expected to serve as a model for other districts in Berlin, with plans to expand the platform to additional boroughs in the coming years. City officials are closely monitoring the process to identify best practices and areas for improvement, with the goal of making participatory budgeting a permanent feature of Berlin’s governance.
As the platform goes live, city staff are conducting outreach campaigns to encourage participation, particularly among underrepresented groups. Information sessions, workshops, and targeted communications are being organised to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to get involved and make their voices heard.
The participatory budgeting initiative in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg represents a forward-thinking approach to urban governance, combining technology, transparency, and community engagement to create a more inclusive and responsive city. By empowering residents to shape how public funds are used, Berlin is setting a positive example for cities around the world.
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Image Credit: Photo by christianlue on Unsplash
