Porto Alegre Reformist Movement

The Porto Alegre Reformist Movement emerged in the 1990s in Brazil's Porto Alegre city as a response to traditional political practices. It introduced participatory budgeting, allowing citizens to directly influence government spending decisions. This innovative approach aimed to improve transparency, increase civic engagement, and address social inequalities. The movement inspired many cities worldwide by demonstrating how local governance could become more democratic and responsive to community needs. Porto Alegre became a model for participatory democracy, showing how involving citizens in decision-making can lead to more equitable and effective governance.