ABSTRACT
Various methods enhance citizen participation in the budget process. Even though empirical evidence is sparse, participation appears to be beneficial when it educates citizens in the complexities and costs of government services, and may help to reduce distrust of the government. There is still little evidence, partly due to methodological difficulties, that participation actually changes budget outcomes, although several cases and anecdotal stories support the notion that there is some effect. In spite of the perceived benefits of participation, opportunities are still not prevalent. This is particularly true early in the budget process, when public opinion would conceivably have the greatest impact on decision making. To move beyond education to true two-way dialog regarding the budget is not easy, due to structural and cost barriers, difficulties in gaining input from numerous representative citizens, and conflicts in the roles and attitudes of both administrators and elected officials.
