- Torrevieja City Council allocates €2 million for participatory budgeting in 2025.
- Residents aged 16+ can propose and vote on community projects via an official online portal.
- A “Grupo Motor” of volunteers coordinates citizen engagement and outreach.
- Voting runs from September 10 to October 3; proposals require at least 20 votes to qualify.
- Selected projects will be evaluated for feasibility and executed in 2026.
Torrevieja’s €2 Million Participatory Budgeting Initiative Enters Voting Phase
The city of Torrevieja has officially launched it’s 2025 participatory budgeting process, inviting citizens to have a direct say in shaping their community. With a generous allocation of two million euros, the local government is empowering residents aged 16 and over to propose ideas and vote on projects they want to see realized in their city.
What Are Participatory Budgets?
Participatory budgeting is a democratic process where residents decide how to allocate part of a municipality’s budget. It encourages community involvement, clarity, and helps address local needs effectively by integrating citizen input into public spending decisions.
From Idea Submission to Voting: How Torrevieja’s Process Works
1. Formation of the Grupo Motor
The initiative began in July 2025 with the creation of the “Grupo Motor,” a team of fourteen local volunteers tasked with spreading awareness and encouraging broad community participation. as Trudy Páez, Torrevieja’s Councillor for Citizen Participation, explains, “This group is essential for reaching as manny residents as possible. This year, twice as many volunteers have joined compared to last year.”
2. Proposal Submission Phase
During August, residents registered in torrevieja could submit their project proposals either online via the City Council’s official website or physically at the municipal office. Each proposal requires a minimum of 20 endorsements from fellow citizens to move forward in the process.
3. Voting Phase Begins
Starting September 10 until October 3,eligible citizens will cast their votes through the official portal at gobiernoabierto.torrevieja.es.To vote,residents will provide identification such as their name and national ID number to verify residency. Councillor Páez encourages maximum participation, noting, “The more participation we have, the better we understand the city’s needs.”
Insights From Last Year
The participatory budget initiative is still relatively new in Torrevieja. In 2024, project proposals ranged from planting more trees to building a municipal shelter and outdoor gyms. Unfortunately, none met the minimum 20 votes, so they could not be funded directly through this mechanism. However, some ideas still influenced city planning; for example, the local government increased tree planting in various neighborhoods.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to share what the city really needs – whether it’s park benches, improved sports facilities, or better municipal services,” saeid Trudy Páez.
What Happens After Voting?
Once voting concludes, the proposals that reach the required 20 votes will be assessed by municipal technicians who will:
- Ensure projects fit within the €2 million budget.
- Verify they fall under local government jurisdiction.
- Check that they are not already underway.
- Confirm alignment with Torrevieja’s strategic plans.
The final results will be announced around October 7-8 via official city channels. If projects tie and collectively exceed the budget, another voting round may be held. Approved initiatives will be implemented throughout 2026.
| Phase | Timeline | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grupo Motor Formation | July 2025 | 14 volunteers coordinate citizen outreach |
| Proposal Submission | August 2025 | Open to residents 16+; proposals must get 20 endorsements |
| Voting | Sept 10 - Oct 3, 2025 | Online voting via government portal; verified by ID |
| Evaluation & Results | Oct 7-8, 2025 | Projects reviewed for feasibility; winners announced |
| Project Implementation | 2026 | Winning proposals are executed |
Encouraging More Participation
The City Council is confident that this year’s improved communications and increased volunteer base will boost resident involvement. Councillor Páez highlights the value of localized knowledge: “Torrevieja is a large city, and the more eyes we have on the ground, the better we can serve our neighborhoods.”
Residents interested in participating or learning more about the proposals and the voting process can visit the official Participatory Budget portal.
Article credit: Trudy Páez and Torrevieja City council
Source: Aquí Medios de Comunicación