Participatory Budgeting originated in 1990 in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and has since been adapted for use in over 1000 cities worldwide. This national tradition is being carried on by the Brazilian cities of Belo Horizonte and Recife. 

These cities are among the finalists for the 2011 Reinhard Mohn “Vitalizing Democracy” prize for their innovative modern approaches to participatory budgeting.

Watch these short videos to learn more:
Belo Horizonte Participatory Budgeting Video
Recife Participatory Budgeting Video