Using Kyrgyzstan as a source of data, this article answers the following questions about citizen engagement in budgeting: (a) What are the key challenges to implementing budget hearings in developing countries? and (b) What factors influence the sustainability of citizen engagement? It identifies several barriers hindering the implementation of local budget meetings, which range from simple organizational issues to complex problems—such as lack of trust and inadequate professional management skills. This study demonstrates that administrators and non-profit experts cite different types of impediments. The involvement of donors appears to have a positive impact on engagement practices in developing countries.