In Recife, Brazil, members of the public have been getting involved since 2001 to help determine how their city develops. Out of a population of 1.6 million people, more than 100,000 adults and young people join local forums or make themselves heard via Internet each year to determine policy making goals, suggest new programs and monitor implementation of municipal activities. The city also organizes forums on specific issues that allow residents to set priorities in 15 different policy making areas such as culture, education, and senior and youth services.
