This policy brief, entitled “Making local political participation structures accessible to migrants”, provides a comprehensive guide for municipalities for the creation of inclusive political participation structures for migrants. The paper is targeted at professionals involved in local governance who are committed to advancing political inclusion. It was produced in May 2023 by Chiara Gunella and Pilar Orero, as part of the MILE project.

The paper aligns with the 10th priority of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Union’s Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021 - 2027, both of which emphasise political inclusion and equal opportunities for all citizens, including migrants. The EU provides funding, practical tools, and partnerships to support these efforts, with several European projects launched to promote inclusivity and accessibility.

The policy paper builds on a comparative study of participatory structures in 4 EU municipalities – Ripollet (Spain), Riga (Latvia), Ioannina (Greece), and Birmingham (UK). The study identified 5 crucial steps for creating more inclusive participation structures:

1. Establish partnerships with migrant-led organisations: Municipalities should actively engage with the migrant community to understand their needs, expectations, concerns, and priorities. Collaborations and partnership with migrant-led organisations can help build bridges between local decision makers and migrant communities. This approach can foster mutual understanding and trust, leading to more effective and inclusive policies.
2. Improve the accessibility of political participation structures: Ensuring that all citizens can access relevant information and engage with opportunities for civic and political participation is crucial. This includes providing translations into the most spoken languages of the local migrant community. By making political participation structures more accessible, municipalities can ensure that no citizen is left behind.
3. Explore diverse and alternative forms of engagement: Municipalities must provide various means for citizen participation. This includes traditional methods such as public meetings and surveys, as well as online platforms. Acknowledging the diverse needs and communication preferences of the community, including language barriers, is crucial. By offering multiple options, municipalities can increase engagement and transparency in decision-making, resulting in more informed and inclusive outcomes that reflect the community’s needs and desires.
4. Promote participatory budgeting: Introducing participatory budgets can promote more active participation of residents and empower disenfranchised groups, such as migrants. Information on existing participatory budgets should be promoted to various segments of the residing population, including migrants. This approach can give citizens a direct say in how public funds are spent, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement in local governance. 
5. Measure your impact: Defining measurable indicators to regularly assess the effectiveness of efforts to promote inclusive and accessible political structures is important. This can help municipalities identify areas for improvement and ensure that they are meeting their goals. Regular assessment can also foster accountability and transparency, enhancing public trust in local governance.

The paper concludes that municipalities, as cornerstones of democracy, should prioritise accessibility, usability, and inclusivity in establishing and developing political participation structures. By following the 5 steps outlined above, municipalities can ensure that democratic processes and structures are accessible and inclusive for all members of the community, including migrants. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the MILE project, which aims to empower local communities, including migrant communities, through locally designed experiences. The policy brief serves as a valuable guide for municipalities seeking to advance political inclusion and create more inclusive and accessible political participation structures.