Grimbergen is taking a new step in strengthening citizen participation with the introduction of the online Grimbergen Citizen Panel. This platform offers residents the opportunity to voice their opinions on various municipal themes, projects, and policy decisions. The new panel complements the existing 'Grimbergen Denkt Mee' participation platform and is being developed in partnership with research firm Bpact.
The municipality of Grimbergen has a history of online participation through 'Grimbergen Denkt Mee'. Additionally, a general citizen panel already existed via Bpact, with over 200 members from Grimbergen. Through strategic collaboration between the initiators of the digital platform and the citizen panel, the broader panel can now be deployed specifically for Grimbergen. The aim is to involve residents more effectively in surveys and research on topics such as mobility, safety, welfare, education, and other societal challenges. Participation in the panel is voluntary.
With the launch of this online citizen panel, the municipality aims to further expand online participation and involve residents in an accessible way in matters affecting their living environment. The panel will play a significant role in the municipality's future participation vision. In October, all advisory councils will convene for an interactive evening on future collaboration opportunities.
Residents who were already members of the national Bpact panel or previously registered on 'Grimbergen Denkt Mee' will be automatically added to the new Grimbergen Citizen Panel and do not need to re-register. New interested residents can sign up via the online platform by creating a profile with basic details such as age and place of residence, ensuring a representative cross-section of the population. Registration is available at app.bpact.be/grimbergen. Participation is free.
Survey results will be processed completely anonymously by Bpact. The municipal government will only receive aggregated results and trends, guaranteeing participant privacy. More information is available at www.grimbergen.be/bpact-online-burgerpanel.
