The aim of this paper is to examine the potential of auxiliary entities of gminas in the context of their usefulness from the point of view of the process of implementation of participatory management tools. The District Councils, the auxiliary entities of the Gmina of the City of Toruń, were the subject of the study. The analysis was carried out using the institutional and legal method. They were examined in terms of their competences, principles for appointment and opportunities for using

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... to reinforce the participatory processes, such as legislative initiatives, public consultation or a participatory budget. The presented recommendations relate mainly to the problem of superficiality of the auxiliary entities and the resulting consequences.