On February 20, 2026, the second meeting of the Consultative Body of Youth of Maribor (CBY Maribor) took place. This body serves as a platform for engaging young people in decision-making processes at the local level.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
The meeting focused on understanding the functioning of the municipal decision-making system, particularly in the area of housing issues for young people. Through structured worksheets and a simulation of institutional dialogue, participants deepened their understanding of:
- Who are the key stakeholders in shaping housing policy at the municipal level,
- How proposals are appropriately formulated, justified, and assessed for feasibility,
- How a measure can be included in the municipal budget or strategic documents,
- The roles of various actors (e.g., officials, office heads, the mayor, the media, youth representatives, etc.).
A special emphasis was placed on creating a concrete, feasible advocacy proposal and understanding the budgeting processes of the Municipality of Maribor. The presence of a representative from the Office for Culture and Youth further strengthened the connection between young people and the institutional environment.
Participants’ Feedback
The participants highlighted the interactivity, the opportunity for active participation, and the practical experience of preparing a proposal as the greatest value of the meeting. The simulation of the institutional process enabled a better understanding of the actual decision-making paths and the importance of clearly structured and realistically set measures.
Further Directions
The youth emphasized the importance of developing measures that are realistic, phased in implementation, and financially justified. They proposed focusing on addressing more specific and achievable challenges, as well as strengthening collaboration with decision-makers and the youth sector.
The next meeting will focus on preparing a concrete proposal for co-financing, either through the participatory budget or within the framework of the regular municipal budget.
Copyright: Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor