300,000 euros for meaningful projects
On Monday 19 May, the official launch of the voting phase of the « Burger budget »The location. More than 52 projects, conceived and supported by residents and local associations, were presented in a warm and positive atmosphere. The voting period is therefore officially open.
The citizen budget was launched as part of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Contract Midi This is part of a broader urban regeneration programme. The aim: to strengthen community life, encourage citizen participation and promote coexistence. With a budget of €300,000 will project proposers have the opportunity to realise concrete initiatives that contribute to the improvement of Zuidwijk. The call for projects, launched on 22 June 2024 and supported by a communication campaign by the municipality of Sint-Gillis, was met with a great response. In total, over 81 projects were submitted by residents and associations, of which eventually 52 projects will be retained based on a feasibility analysis and then validated by the municipality.
Diversity and resident engagement in Zuidwijk
The themes addressed in the 52 projects reflect the diversity, creativity and commitment of the residents in the Zuidwijk. Some initiatives are redesigning public spaces, through urban greening, pleasant arrangements or projects that promote soft mobility.
Social inclusion is also a key focus: supporting newcomers, engaging young people, and valuing diversity and local heritage are central to several projects. Furthermore, multiple initiatives focus on “empowerment,” encouraging residents to actively shape their neighbourhoods through collective and participatory dynamics.
« ”This Citizen's Budget is a first for Saint-Gilles, and the number of projects received is a testament to an active and dynamic local democracy," says Willem Stevens, Alderman for Urban Renewal in Saint-Gilles (Vooruit.brussels). The residents“ ideas and projects can make a difference to the Zuidwijk. and we look forward to realising them. »
Residents from the perimeter of the South district contract are now invited to cast their vote between 20 May (from 12 noon) and 20 June (until 12 noon). Every resident can their three favourite projects support. Young people between 12 and 25 years old can also get extra votes for three youth projects.
Voting can be done in the following ways:
- Online via the platform https://stgilles.monopinion.belgium.be/
- In the permanent information points or at events in public spaces. A schedule with the locations and times will be available soon.
Following the voting phase, the results will determine which projects are selected and how much funding they will receive. The total budget of €300,000 will be allocated to the 3 categories as follows:
- 23 Small “boost projects” (total €1,000 per project): € 50.000 is reserved for resident initiatives, to support local ideas and stimulate citizen initiatives.
- 25 “Maxiprojects” (up to €100,000 per project): € 200.000 is awarded to association projects developed in collaboration with local residents, with the aim of establishing sustainable and concrete actions.
- 4 “Youth Projects” (total €50,000 per project): € 50.000 goes to projects conceived by and for young people from the neighbourhood, focusing on their creativity and vision for the future.
The projects with the most votes will be carried out between September 2025 and September 2026, within the limits of the allocated budget. The execution will be supervised by the municipal services and the consultancy firm 21Solutions, which ensures good follow-up and a high probability of success.
« By supporting this Citizens” Budget, we strengthen the bond between the municipality and the residents of Zuidwijk. It offers an opportunity for us to continue building a solidary, dynamic, and inclusive Zuidwijk together," he concludes. Jean Spinette, Mayor of Saint-Gilles (PS).