This project aims to use the basis research funding to better understand the changing local democracy. The aim is to broaden and deepen the knowledge and expertise built up by the research group and applicant (including a comparative perspective). This through a twofold agenda with mixed designs and methods. Firstly, we aim for a clearer view of the crucial actors, institutions and processes in local representative democracy. This way, we strive to understand the patterns and dynamics of local elections more thoroughly. In addition, we want to better grasp the composition and functioning of local legislative and executive bodies. Secondly, we look at local participatory democracy and the associated innovations (advisory councils, citizen budgets, citizen panels or citizen initiatives). We do so by studying their supposed effect and impact. We also pay attention to the position and role of governmental players therein (local politicians and civil servants).