Limits and promises of participatory urban planning

Despite efforts to decentralize governance and establish civic advisory boards (CABs) as a mandatory participatory mechanism in Tbilisi, CAB members and urban activists remain dissatisfied with governance and urban planning processes. This study employs qualitative methods, including 34 semi-structured interviews, analysis of administrative data, and a review of legislation and planning documents. It examines participatory urban experiences, assessing the effectiveness of CABs and the role of urban movements. The findings reveal challenges in communication, low public awareness, and limited influence on decision-making. CAB members and activists report weak engagement with the mayor’s office and a consistent disregard for civic input, resulting in ongoing protests that are dismissed by authorities. Strengthening CABs is crucial to ensuring meaningful citizen participation, bridging the gap between the public and policymakers, and addressing the influence of political and economic elites in urban decision-making.