More green spaces, a meeting spot, or room for movement and play: Menen City is encouraging residents to make their neighborhoods more pleasant with the 2027 citizen budgets. Under the banner ‘From Idea to Citizen Budget’, the city is organizing three inspiration workshops this autumn, one in each sub-municipality. Residents will have the space to share ideas, inspire each other, and take the first steps towards a feasible project proposal.
Initiatives such as a green facade, a community garden, a cozy meeting place, a neighborhood film night, or a multi-sport field can enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood. The workshops prepare residents to submit a feasible project proposal that meets the regulations in the spring of 2027.
During the workshops, participants will discover what a citizen budget entails, who can participate, how the process works, and the conditions a proposal must meet. With the help of an inspiration wall and group work, ideas will be further developed.
“"With the citizen budgets, we want to give residents the confidence to take initiative and help build their neighborhood. You don't need a fully developed plan. A first thought, a fresh perspective, or the desire to think along with others is a great start."
Anyone living, working, or studying in Menen, Lauwe, or Rekkem can participate. The new regulation states that a citizen budget project must have a public character, a positive impact on livability, be financially feasible, and have a clear link to the city's responsibilities.
The workshops will take place on:
- Menen: Monday, November 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall.
- Lauwe: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Applauws.
- Rekkem: Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Dorpshuis.
Registration in advance is possible via www.menen.be/burgerbudgetten.
- Menen: Monday, November 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall.
- Lauwe: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Applauws.
- Rekkem: Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Dorpshuis.
Registration in advance is possible via www.menen.be/burgerbudgetten.
