In spite of the existing direct forms of citizens participation in the local self-government such as referendums, subscriptions, impact possibilities through non-government organizations and public researches, the biggest part of the citizens are not aware of their rights and obligations. Hence, the local parliament voted to give citizens the opportunity to speak for up to five minutes during regular sessions of the Municipal Council. Providing this chance contributes towards increase of citizens self-awareness and involvement in the community problems.

Introducing the practice of citizens participation in the sessions of the Municipal Council with a right to take part in the debates, to make suggestions, as well as criticism, is an enormous step towards transparency of the process of decision taking in the work of the municipal management. Once decision of the Municipal Council was enforced and announced through the printed and electronic media, citizens were granted the right to pose questions and offer alternative solutions of municipal problems after filing an application with their will to participate in the sessions. The obstacle faced in the beginning was that citizens tended to discuss personal problems. For that purpose, the Municipal Council developed precautions regarding the following:

- Providing information about the work of the Municipal Council and Municipal Administration through the media;

- Participation of citizens or their representatives in the work of the permanent commissions of the Municipal Council.

Based on good relations from the past, the Municipality of Dobrich and the local media signed contracts to increase the information spread about the work of the local authority among citizens. Local television and newspapers created special editions explaining citizens participation in the processes of local self-government and real opportunities that call for extension of citizens participation in the city management. Due to solid collaboration of local authorities and the media, citizens became aware of their rights and firmly convinced that formation of a new style of civic behavior is needed for improving the dialog between citizens and local authorities. Involving citizens in development, discussions and implementation of programs regarding particular problems or overall development of the municipality makes the people a vital part of the processes of the civic society.

Introducing the practice of citizens participation in the work of the Municipal Council allows widening the opportunities for solving problems and guarantees transparency in the process of taking decisions. Development of concrete regulations for citizens participation in the Statute of the Municipal Council highly increases citizens activity in solving municipal problems. Direct dialog between citizens and local authorities improves the level of trust in the government structures. Citizens also are granted opportunities to monitor the processes of formation, planning, and financial realization of the decision of the Municipal Council.