PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING IN RUSSIA: HOW NOT TO HINDER CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Today, the practice of participatory budgeting becomes the most prominent democratic innovation in the budgeting process, as it involves the formation of a democratic framework in the allocation of budgetary funds and the introduction of civic initiatives in the management of public finances. The article considers the peculiarities of the implementation of initiative budgeting projects in the regions and municipalities of the Russian Federation. The issues of legislative regulation and methodological support of the processes of initiative budgeting are covered in detail. The main models of initiative budgeting are described. Social effects associated with the implementation of initiative budgeting are assessed. The indicators of citizens' involvement in the processes of initiative budgeting are given. The authors answer the main questions: Is Russia on the way of "standardization" or "diversification" of initiative budgeting processes? What model of initiative budgeting prevails in Russian practice? What factors can promote or hinder the development of civic initiative? Participatory budgeting creates effects in at least three directions: formation of civil society with active position, progress in social sphere and effectiveness of budgeting process. The authors point out the existing problems in the preparation of participatory budgeting projects and suggest specific ways to solve them. According to the authors, it is necessary to elaborate a methodical study of financial evaluation of citizens' labor participation in participatory budgeting projects. The authors propose to establish social preferences for persons participating in implementations of initiative projects in the legislation. They formulate their own scientific position on issues related to the implementation of participatory budgeting projects in the Russian Federation and outline directions for further research in this direction. Every year, the number of projects implemented in the framework of participatory budgeting in Russia increases in multiples. This form of public involvement in solving urgent issues of municipalities becomes relevant. Citizen participation in public finance management is a growing trend in many countries of the world. Participatory budgeting has a positive effect by uniting local residents and increasing responsibility for territorial development, ensuring transparency of budgeting and constructive communication with the authorities.