The Municipality of Podujevë/Podujeva, with a population of approximately 71,000 residents according to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics published in July 2024, represents a significant example of the challenges and opportunities for improving local governance. Spanning 77 villages and experiencing a population
decline of approximately 17,000 compared to the 2011 census Podujevë/Podujeva reflects complex social and economic dynamics that affect the quality of life and the delivery of public services.

This report analyzes the perceptions of citizens and civil servants regarding public service delivery, transparency, and accountability in the Municipality of Podujevë/Podujeva. Based on a sample of 216 respondents—mostly young and middle-aged individuals—the research highlights a general satisfaction with municipal services, with 89% of respondents rating them positively. Despite this, challenges remain, particularly in the inclusion of marginalized groups, the speed of service delivery, and effective communication with citizens.

In this context, the report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current situation using data from surveys, focus groups, and
open discussions with citizens and municipal representatives. Through this analysis, the paper identifies gaps and opportunities for improvement, proposing concrete measures to enhance transparency, improve accessibility, and increase the efficiency of public services.

This study serves as a contribution to advancing open local governance and addressing the expectations of the residents of Podujevë/Podujeva for a more responsible and efficient administration.

This research report was conducted by The Democracy for Development Institute within the framework of the project “Citizen participation 4 better decisions”, supported by the Small Grant Facility programme of WeBER 3.0 project, implemented in Kosovo by Group for Legal and Political Studies and funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency. The content of this report is the sole responsibility of the project implementer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Group for Legal and Political Studies, the European Union, or the Austrian Development Agency.