Democracy is always actualized within the framework of a specific state and legal and political regime. Among the various proposals for modernization, those that emphasize the need for citizen participation (or co-participation) in decision-making processes are particularly favored. This seems to be dictated by the need to depoliticize the public sphere and to seek better ways to legitimize decisions and more effective forms of social control over public decision-making, guaranteeing its greater rationality (measured not only by the level of political acceptance). A solution for fostering cultural diversity and pluralism is also sought in promoting advanced decentralization and, consequently, proposals for greater citizen empowerment in decision-making within local communities. This creates a new perspective for the functioning of local governments, especially local ones. This refers to both civic participation and social participation. Of course, this process unfolds with different dynamics and outcomes in different countries. This applies to both institutional and procedural forms of participation. However, undoubtedly, the greatest number of new, innovative forms of civic participation are emerging at the local government level. A “self-governing” local community becomes a natural foundation for citizenship, fostering the creation of a political culture focused on the civic emancipation of local community members and their development as collective actors in local decision-making processes. From here, it is only a short step to the transition from civic society to authentic civil society, which should define new strategic goals for local institutions.