The principles of transparency and openness are considered the basis of good management, and these two principles are realized by public administration. Publicity of the administration is an effort for citizens to be informed about the organization and work of the administration, but also the need for the administration to be informed about the needs and opinions of citizens. The principle of transparency is achieved through the right to access information, and the principle of openness through the process of consultation with the interested public in the process of passing laws, regulations and other acts. In the relationship between citizens and administration, we distinguish between forms of direct democracy (immediate decision-making) and citizen participation. Forms of direct democracy are citizens' assemblies, local referendum, impeachment of elected officials, citizens' initiative. Forms of citizen participation include local assemblies, co-opting of citizens, association of citizens, polls, public debates, etc. In addition to general information on forms of participation and participation, the paper also shows how these forms are regulated in Croatia. Citizens' trust is in decline, both in Croatia and in European countries. Citizens have at their disposal numerous instruments to influence the work and decision-making of the administration, but they do not use them to a sufficient extent. It is necessary to carry out research in order to determine the specific problems that lead to a decline in trust and the non-use of available instruments, so that public authorities can take appropriate measures to restore citizens' trust in the authorities and to involve them as much as possible in the work of public authorities. government and administration