Participatory budget begins its second act in Luc-en-Provence

Dominique Lain makes no secret of his satisfaction: "When we let the population express themselves and they do it this way, that's fine with me!" The mayor of Le Luc-en-Provence is talking about the first edition of the participatory budget he implemented last year. The participatory budget gives citizens the opportunity to apply as project leaders to advocate for an investment that could be financed by the municipality.

A successful measure, based on a few unmistakable indicators: the number of projects presented (19), the number of votes (nearly 1,200), and the general enthusiasm. While this latter figure is difficult to quantify, in the mayor's eyes, it is very real. So much so that he is convinced to continue the experiment.

It's been in the pipeline for a few weeks now: the second participatory budget has already been launched. "We already have seven applications that intend to apply," confides the chief magistrate.

It is still possible to come forward and present your ambition, at least until the end of the month. "But we will propose to the monitoring committee an extension of the application period," the mayor corrects. Those who are undecided would still have one or two months to structure their project.

19 files presented during the first edition

Because, it must be remembered, the approach is serious, commensurate with the financial envelope allocated by the town hall. "We are proposing to finance up to two projects up to a maximum of 50,000 euros," explains Dominique Lain. A significant sum, and one that is sure to encourage citizens.

Citizens who must respect a certain number of rules to apply, such as the obligation to cost their project, provide free use of the facility, ensure general consistency (particularly with regard to safety standards, land ownership, etc.). You must also, of course, be from Luc, and be over 10 years old. "The young municipal council is submitting a file for this second edition," confides the mayor.

But be careful: while municipal services (especially technical ones) are mobilized on the matter, Dominique Lain is not the one who decides. An online vote, which will begin after the presentation of the projects in mid-September (and end at the end of December), will crown the winner(s). "We are moving forward with great transparency ," says the mayor. "We believe that this participatory budget responds to a real demand from citizens, for them to get involved in the life of the city. We want them to feel listened to, and to know that we are giving them the opportunity to create."

What will the second phase of the Luc participatory budget include? We'll get the answer by the start of the school year...

The creation of an open-air theater, near the Saint-Joseph chapel, and the rehabilitation of part of the Castellas neighborhood, by a residents' association. These are the two projects that won the votes, ahead of other proposals ranging from the Teqball table to the creation of a communal orchard, resulting from the first participatory budget of Luc-en-Provence. The results were announced with great fanfare during the mayor's New Year's ceremony. "We will do it again for the second participatory budget," confirms Dominique Lain. But first, an update on 2025.

Before the end of the year, the open-air theater should be developed, for a cost of approximately 25,000 euros . "It's a site that will allow us to host readings, concerts, shows, and conferences." A project that reinforces Dominique Lain's convictions: "The public's interest in such a cultural facility reinforces the projects we are carrying out elsewhere. Here, the site lends itself to it, with its proximity to the city center, the possibility of parking, and satisfactory acoustics. It's also a cultural tool that we were missing."

As for the rehabilitation of the stones left somewhat abandoned in the Castellas district, it is "confirmation that the people of Luc are defending the development of the town."

The mayor concluded: "This participatory budget is almost like a survey: we see the themes that citizens support. Culture, sport, the environment..."