ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the practice of participatory budgeting (PB) in Taipei City from the systemic perspective of deliberative democracy by examining the unique government–academia alliance and the multiple roles of academic institutions and civic organisations as intermediary actors in facilitating deliberative practices and accelerating transmission and institutional adjustments. This chapter demonstrates the dynamics of deliberative practices in multiple arenas and spaces, the social expectations and democratic imaginations of civic organisations as a crucial driver in recruiting and influencing participation of organisation members, and the reshaping of the practice, features and development of PB. The government–academia alliance has facilitated an increase in interaction between government officials and academic institutions, civic organisations, residents, and neighbourhood social networks. Academic and civic organisations provide local knowledge, human resources and consultant services in collaborating with the district office of the Department of Civil Affairs to promote PB. The dynamic connections of various discussions and deliberations in various spaces and at different stages of the PB cycle enhance the deliberative quality of local governance and deliberative systems.
