This article explores citizen participation in Georgia’s local government decision-making, analysing post-2013 reforms. Despite legislative advancements like the Local Self-Government Code, which allows formal and municipal-specific participation, Georgia faces significant challenges. Low civic awareness and limited public interest, especially among youth, hinder engagement. Existing mechanisms are often formalistic and poorly implemented, with shortcomings like unmonitored advisory councils and high petition thresholds creating barriers. Unlike in many European countries, local referendums are absent at the municipal level. The article concludes that reform outcomes are disproportionate to their scope, highlighting the crucial need for the non-governmental sector to bridge the gap between local authorities and the community.