Alongside the recent presidential elections, local referendums were held in several places across the Czech Republic in the past few months. In these referendums, people had the opportunity to vote on issues that concern them directly and which may often be closer to their lives than what is happening at the national level. We are pleased that we were able to help spark discussion among local residents and  increase their interest in community affairs.

RESIDENTS IN DOBRIS VOTED FOR OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION INSTEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
In the small town of Dobříš in Central Bohemia, a referendum was held to decide whether development should be expanded into the open countryside. Given that the town lies 30 kilometers from Prague, there is intense pressure on the community to grow. But the town’s capacity and infrastructure can no longer keep up. A local civic initiative raised objections to plans to expand development into the surrounding countryside and called for a referendum, which was granted by a Supreme Court decision. In the referendum, residents Dobříš voted against further development and for retention of recreation area and open space.

REFERENDUM ON THE DALEJ VALLEY 
The Dalej Valley in southwest Prague is home to a nature reserve and is a popular walking destination for people from various parts of Prague. A group of local residents opposed a proposed construction project that would have seen several apartment buildings rise on the site of a former mill near the middle of the valley. Within a few months, they activated their neighbors, put together an online petition, founded an association and agreed with the leadership of the local district to call a referendum. By informing residents and organizing a neighborhood meeting, they helped raise interest in the issue and almost half of the eligible voters in the area (49.52%) showed up at the polls. The majority voted that the council should take all legal steps to stop the development plan. The citizen group plans to continue its activities and its goal is ambitious: to ensure the long-term protection of this valuable natural area.

RESIDENTS OF OPATOVICE VOTED AGAINST AN INDUSTRIAL HALL
In Opatovice, Pardubice, citizens objecting to the proposed construction of an industrial hall formed a local association called Neighbors Against the Hall. They managed to successfully petition for a referendum, but the town council did not agree to hold the referendum. The matter was sent to the regional court, which confirmed the right to hold a referendum. It was a difficult journey but the effort was worth it: when the referendum was finally held, residents voted against the construction of the hall in close proximity to the town.

FAST GRANTS
We supported these citizen groups with our special Public Interest Defense Fast Grants. We award up to CZK 40,000 for expert opinions, legal representation or organization of community meetings. In addition to financial support, Via offers expert guidance, consultations, and assistance in setting up online fundraising drives and matches the proceeds of drives up to CZK 20,000.