Gwangju Dong-gu Selected as 'The Most Livable Local Government in the Nation'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Im Taek) announced on the 28th that it was selected as the "most livable local government in the nation" by achieving first place in the productivity index in the "2020 Local Government Productivity Awards" hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and being recognized as an excellent case in the "Capable Citizen Community" category.

In this evaluation, which measures the administrative capabilities of 226 basic local governments nationwide, Dong-gu received ▲ the grand prize with a productivity index score of 810.65 out of 1000 points ▲ and ranked second in the productivity excellence case category for the "case of solving village problems and strengthening community capabilities through the Win-Win Council."

Thus, Dong-gu achieved a "double crown" by winning awards in both productivity measurement and excellent case evaluation, securing the title of "the most livable local government in the nation."

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has been evaluating the "Local Government Productivity," which comprehensively assesses the internal administrative capabilities of basic local governments, since 2011 to strengthen local government competitiveness.

In this year's evaluation, 170 local governments voluntarily applied out of 226 cities, counties, and districts nationwide.

Among them, Dong-gu, which received the highest score and won the grand prize, showed an employment growth rate of 12.32% (national average 3.59%), ranking second nationwide, and had 9.84 social welfare facilities per 10,000 residents, far exceeding the national average of 4.79.

Additionally, Dong-gu received high scores in areas such as top-tier financial capacity nationwide, the establishment and operation of the first basic welfare guideline among local governments nationwide, and sustainable "Resource Circulation Village Creation" through public-private cooperation, resulting in being selected as the local government with the highest productivity nationwide based on the combined results of local government capability and quality of life.

Among the four fields of productivity excellence cases (people-centered inclusive society, environmental safety, capable citizen community, and win-win economy), Dong-gu was recognized for its efforts by ranking second in the "Capable Citizen Community" category with the "Dongmyeong Community Win-Win Council and the Dongmyeong-dong Win-Win Village created together with residents."

Dongmyeong-dong, located in the heart of downtown Gwangju, is popular as a hotspot for young people, but various complaints have been raised due to conflicts, disputes, and gentrification caused by rapid commercialization.

In response, Dong-gu formed the "Dongmyeong Community Win-Win Council" in March last year with the aim of creating a beautiful village with culture and arts together with residents and merchants.

The council, consisting of about 20 members including Dongmyeong-dong commercial landlords and tenants, local residents, village activists, and social economy entrepreneurs, serves not only as a neutral mediation body to resolve conflicts and disputes in Dongmyeong-dong but also leads related projects, cultivating a model win-win community.

Im Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, said, "This great achievement in the productivity awards is the result of the united efforts of residents and public officials," and added, "We will continue to make every effort to improve productivity and competitiveness along with expanding convenience facilities to enhance residents' quality of life."