PUBLIC HEARINGS PROCEDURE AS A MECHANISM FOR CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY

Abstract

Introduction. Analysis of regulatory documents and scientific research on citizen participation in resolving issues of local importance allowed us to reveal the essence of key concepts: the procedure for public hearings, the features of organizing and conducting public hearings in the public governance system. The key essential features of public hearings are: the possibility of public control and public involvement in resolving issues of local importance in order to influence management decisions; organizing meetings for deliberative discussions of issues of local importance; holding meetings to coordinate management activities with public opinion, as well as informing and publishing the results of such activities. Purpose and objectives of the article. The purpose of the article is to study the procedure of public hearings as an institutional mechanism for citizen participation in the process of public decision-making. Results. Based on the analysis of the legal regulation of citizen participation in the process of public decision-making, it was determined that such participation is carried out through: public hearings; local initiatives; general meetings of citizens at the place of residence; public expertise of local government bodies; consultations with the public; bodies of self-organization of the population. The algorithm for organizing and conducting public hearings includes the following steps: initiating public hearings; preparing for public hearings; conducting public hearings; implementing the results of public hearings. It was concluded that the ways to increase the effectiveness of public hearings in the public governance system are: high-quality preparation for public hearings; citizens’ motivation to participate in public hearings and their activity during them; organization of public hearings; professionalism and competence of participants; further consideration of the results of public hearings.