A form of cooperation between local government units and residents in the implementation of a public task for the benefit of the local community. Within local initiative, residents may, directly or through a non-governmental organisation, submit a request to the local government unit for the implementation of a public task.

Local initiative may relate to tasks belonging to the area of public benefit, as listed in the Act on public benefit activity and voluntary work. The bodies of local government units determine the mode and detailed criteria for the assessment of applications for the implementation of public tasks within the local initiative, and then evaluate the application taking into account, among others, the advisability in terms of the needs of local community. Contributions from residents (or organisations) may include benefits in cash or kind, or social work.

• Act of 24 April 2003 on Public Benefit and Volunteer Work
  Place of publication: (Dz. U. z 2023 r. poz. 571, z późn. zm.)