End of Commitment Report – Enhancing public participation through citizen government collaboration, participatory budgeting, and development of a mobile app

Name of Evaluator

Egzon Pacolli

Email

[email protected]

Member Name

Pristina, Kosovo

Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... Title

Action plan – Pristina, Kosovo, 2024 – 2025

Commitment

Enhancing public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio... through citizen government collaboration, participatory budgeting, and development of a mobile app

Title

Enhancing public participation through citizen government collaboration, participatory budgeting, and development of a mobile app

Action

The commitment aims to enhance citizen engagement and improve municipal services in Pristina through innovative and inclusive initiatives. Key components include:Mobile Application Development: A new mobile app (Android/iOS) will enable citizens to report issues (with GPS and photos), track requests, receive alerts, access event calendars, complete surveys, and interact with an AI chatbot. This will streamline communication, promote transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More, and ensure faster issue resolution.Citizen-Government Collaboration: Municipal Assembly members will regularly meet with citizens to gather input, address concerns, and improve collaboration. Public debates and policy sessions will provide opportunities for citizens to influence decision-making processes.Youth Engagement: Educational sessions for students (grades 6–9) will focus on local governance, the roles of elected representatives, and the importance of civic participation, fostering early awareness and involvement.Strengthening Local Councils: After years of inactivity, Local Councils will be reorganized and empowered to prioritize projects for their communities, enhancing local decision-making.Participatory Budgeting: 1% of the municipal capital investment budget will be allocated to citizen-selected projects, ensuring community needs are addressed.The overall objective is to foster transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance while improving municipal services and citizen satisfaction.

Problem

The problem this commitment seeks to resolve is the lack of effective communication and active citizen engagement in municipal decision-making processes in Pristina. This issue is driven by several interconnected factors:Lack of Information: Many citizens are unaware of the importance of public hearings and consultations and how these processes affect their lives. This highlights the need for tools, such as a mobile application, to facilitate communication and increase participation while ensuring citizen voices are considered in municipal decision-making.Inconvenient Timing and Location: The scheduling and location of public meetings often deter citizens from attending, limiting their ability to participate.Limited Understanding of Legal Deadlines: Many citizens lack awareness of legal deadlines for budget processes and other municipal policies, which further hinders timely engagement.Relevance of Discussion Topics: Participation tends to be higher when topics directly affecting citizens, such as parking regulations, noise pollution, or subsidies, are on the agenda.These factors create barriers to citizen engagement in decision-making processes that shape the municipal budget and policies, limiting the potential for inclusive governance.

1.1 What was the overall level of progress in the commitment implementation at the time of this assessment?

Substantial

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

At the time of this assessment, the commitment “Enhancing public participation through citizen‑government collaboration, participatory budgeting, and development of a mobile app” showed substantial progress, although some planned activities were adapted due to external constraints. Originally, the development of a full mobile application was planned; however, due to reduced funding from USAID, the municipality was unable to implement the app as initially envisioned. Instead, the municipality introduced a digital wallet system as an alternative digital tool to facilitate citizen engagement and payments.

Similarly, planned engagement meetings with students were not realized as originally scheduled because of funding limitations affecting our partners. Despite these adjustments, the municipality successfully organized public hearings and consultations to gather citizen input on municipal decisions. Additional results include improvements to public infrastructure and the incorporation of citizen feedback into ongoing projects, reflecting continued commitment to participatory governance and transparency. Overall, the municipality adapted its approach to achieve meaningful progress in enhancing public participation and improving citizen access to municipal services.

1.2 Describe the main external or internal factors that impacted implementation of this commitment and how they were addressed (or not).

The implementation of the commitment “Enhancing public participation through citizen‑government collaboration, participatory budgeting, and development of a mobile app” was influenced by several internal and external factors.

External factors: The most significant external factor was the reduction of funding from USAID, which affected both the development of the planned mobile application and the organization of engagement activities with student groups. These funding constraints forced the municipality to adapt its approach, replacing the full mobile app with a digital wallet system and postponing certain youthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More engagement sessions.

Internal factors: Coordination and capacity within municipal departments also influenced implementation. Adapting planned activities to new tools and approaches required additional internal alignment and adjustments in workflows.

How these factors were addressed: While funding limitations could not be fully resolved, the municipality responded by implementing alternative solutions, such as the digital wallet, and prioritizing public hearings and consultations to maintain citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More. Internal coordination was strengthened to ensure these adapted activities were effectively executed.

Overall, while some activities were modified or delayed, the municipality demonstrated flexibility and innovation in overcoming these challenges, maintaining substantial progress toward the commitment’s objectives.

Evidence 1: Facebook profile Kuleta Digjitale

Evidence 2: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 1 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 3: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 2 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 4: Video Master Plan for the Regeneration of the Kodra e Trimave II Neighborhood – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 5: Facebook publication from Prishtina Capital.

1.3 Was the commitment implemented as originally planned?

Most of the commitment milestones were implemented as planned

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

Most of the commitment milestones were implemented as planned, although some required adaptation due to reduced funding from USAID. The original plan to develop a full mobile application and conduct student engagement meetings could not be fully realized. Instead, the municipality introduced a digital wallet system as an alternative and focused on organizing public hearings, consultations, and improvements to public infrastructure. These adaptations allowed the municipality to maintain the core objectives of enhancing citizen participation and transparency, even if certain activities were modified or delayed.

Evidence 1: Facebook profile Kuleta Digjitale

Evidence 2: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 1 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 3: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 2 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 4: Video Master Plan for the Regeneration of the Kodra e Trimave II Neighborhood – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 5: Facebook publication from Prishtina Capital.

2.1.1. – Did the government disclose more information; improve the quality of the information (new or existing); improve the value of the information; improve the channels to disclose or request information or improve accessibility to information?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The commitment significantly increased the disclosure of information to citizens, resulting in a major impact on both public practice and citizen engagement. Through public hearings, participatory budgeting processes, and online tools such as the digital wallet, the municipality made more information about municipal projects, budgets, and decision-making processes accessible to the public. Citizens gained better insight into how funds are allocated, how infrastructure projects are planned, and how their feedback influences local governance.

This greater transparency has empowered residents to engage more actively with municipal authorities, monitor ongoing projects, and hold officials accountable. By making information more widely available and understandable, the commitment has strengthened trust in local government and fostered a culture of openness and participatory decision-making, setting a strong foundation for continued citizen engagement in Pristina.

Evidence 1: Facebook profile Kuleta Digjitale

Evidence 2: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 1 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 3: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 2 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 4: Video Master Plan for the Regeneration of the Kodra e Trimave II Neighborhood – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 5: Facebook publication from Prishtina Capital.

2.1.2. – Did the government create new opportunities to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation inform or influence decisions; improve existing channels or spaces to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation/ inform or influence decisions; create or improve capabilities in the government or the public aimed to improve how the government seeks feedback from citizens/enables participation/ or allows for the public to inform or influence decisions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The commitment significantly improved existing channels and created new opportunities for citizens to provide feedback, participate in decision-making, and influence municipal policies. Through public hearings, participatory budgeting sessions, and the implementation of the digital wallet system, residents were given structured, accessible ways to engage with the municipality. These improvements made it easier for citizens to share their priorities, report issues, and track how their input was considered in municipal decisions.

As a result, citizen engagement became more meaningful and inclusive, particularly in shaping budgetary and infrastructure priorities. Municipal officials were better able to respond to public input, enhancing accountability and strengthening trust between the community and local government. The changes represent a major improvement in participatory governance, embedding citizen feedback into everyday municipal practice and decision-making processes.

Evidence 1: Facebook profile Kuleta Digjitale

Evidence 2: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 1 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 3: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 2 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 4: Video Master Plan for the Regeneration of the Kodra e Trimave II Neighborhood – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 5: Facebook publication from Prishtina Capital.

2.1.3 Did the government create or improve channels, opportunities or capabilities to hold officials answerable to their actions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The commitment created and strengthened mechanisms that allow citizens to hold municipal officials accountable for their actions. Public hearings, participatory budgeting sessions, and the introduction of the digital wallet system provided structured channels for residents to monitor project implementation, track budget allocations, and provide feedback on municipal services. Citizens can now observe how their input is incorporated into decision-making and follow up on commitments made by officials.

This increased accountability has led to more responsive governance, as officials are aware that their decisions and actions are visible to the public. For residents, it has enhanced transparency, trust, and confidence in local government processes, ensuring that municipal actions are better aligned with community needs. Overall, these improvements represent a major advancement in fostering a culture of accountability and citizen oversight in Pristina.

Evidence 1: Facebook profile Kuleta Digjitale

Evidence 2: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 1 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 3: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 2 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 4: Video Master Plan for the Regeneration of the Kodra e Trimave II Neighborhood – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 5: Facebook publication from Prishtina Capital.

2.1.4 Other Results

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

In addition to increasing transparency, participation, and accountability, the commitment generated several other important results. The introduction of the digital wallet system not only provided a new tool for citizen engagement but also modernized municipal financial interactions, making payments and reporting more efficient and traceable. Improvements in public infrastructure, informed by citizen feedback, directly reflected community priorities, demonstrating a practical application of participatory governance.

Moreover, the commitment fostered a stronger culture of collaboration between citizens and municipal staff, encouraging officials to actively consider public input in planning and implementation processes. These outcomes enhanced trust in local government, promoted more responsive decision-making, and created sustainable mechanisms for ongoing citizen engagement. Collectively, these results represent a major advancement in the practice of open, inclusive, and accountable governance in Pristina.

Evidence 1: Facebook profile Kuleta Digjitale

Evidence 2: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 1 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 3: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 2 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 4: Video Master Plan for the Regeneration of the Kodra e Trimave II Neighborhood – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 5: Facebook publication from Prishtina Capital.

2.2 Did the commitment address the public policy problem that it intended to address as described in the action plan?

Yes

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

The commitment effectively addressed the public policy problem outlined in the action plan, namely, limited citizen participation and transparency. Through public hearings and the implementation of the digital wallet system, the municipality created new opportunities for citizens to provide input, track decisions, and influence local governance. While some planned activities, such as the full mobile app and student engagement meetings, were adapted due to funding constraints, the core objectives of enhancing participation, improving transparency, and fostering accountability were achieved. These actions directly responded to the identified challenges and resulted in more inclusive, responsive, and citizen-centered municipal governance.

Evidence 1: Facebook profile Kuleta Digjitale

Evidence 2: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 1 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 3: Video Master Plan Kolovic, Session Part 2 – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 4: Video Master Plan for the Regeneration of the Kodra e Trimave II Neighborhood – Komune Prishtine

Evidence 5: Facebook publication from Prishtina Capital.

3. Provide at least one lesson or reflection relating to the implementation of this commitment. It can be the identification of key barriers to implementation, an unexpected help/hindrance, recommendations for future commitments, or if the commitment should be taken forward to the next action plan.

A key lesson from the implementation of this commitment is the importance of flexibility and adaptation in response to funding constraints. The reduction of USAID support affected the development of the planned mobile application and the organization of student engagement sessions, requiring the municipality to adjust its approach by introducing a digital wallet system and prioritizing public hearings and consultations.

This experience highlights that successful citizen engagement initiatives must be designed with contingency plans and adaptable tools to ensure continuity even when resources are limited. For future commitments, it is recommended to maintain multiple channels for participation, strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders, and continue integrating citizen feedback into municipal decision-making. The approaches piloted under this commitment provide a strong foundation and should be carried forward into the next action plan, with emphasis on scaling digital engagement tools and expanding participatory mechanisms.