Budget Allocation: 347.5 Billion Won (53.32%) for Social Welfare, Largest Share... Administrative Operating Expenses 128.7 Billion Won, Environment 42.8 Billion Won, Culture and Tourism 40.2 Billion Won in Order
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) has submitted a 735.9 billion KRW budget proposal for the next year to the Mapo-gu Council, outlining the 2021 district administration plan.
Of the total 2021 Mapo-gu budget of 735.9 billion KRW, the general account is 651.7 billion KRW (a 7.71% increase from the previous year), and the special account is 84.2 billion KRW (a 4.15% increase), which is an increase of 50 billion KRW (7.29%) compared to this year's budget.
The main expenditures of the general account are ▲ social welfare 347.5 billion KRW (53.32%) ▲ administrative operation expenses 128.7 billion KRW (19.74%) ▲ environment 42.8 billion KRW (6.57%) ▲ culture and tourism 40.2 billion KRW (6.17%) ▲ general public administration 25.6 billion KRW (3.92%) ▲ health 17.4 billion KRW (2.68%) ▲ land and regional development 16.2 billion KRW (2.49%) ▲ education 11.9 billion KRW (1.83%), among others.
The next year's Mapo-gu budget focuses on the full-scale implementation of key projects of the 7th elected term, revitalization of the local economy stagnated by COVID-19, creation of a livable environment, protection of marginalized groups, and job creation.
A district official stated, “Although large-scale investment project expenses for the full-scale promotion of key projects in the 7th elected term will increase, due to the impact of COVID-19, financial conditions are expected to be tight, so consumptive expenses such as current expenses and administrative operation expenses have been tightened as much as possible by reducing or freezing them.”
According to the district’s plan, next year Mapo-gu will further expand the budget for fostering small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting startups, focusing on recovering the local economy based on neighborhood commercial districts through policy support for self-employed and small business owners.
Additionally, employment strengthening policies for youth job creation will continue to be promoted.
Preventive administrative efforts will be further strengthened, and projects to create an eco-friendly city where residents can live with peace of mind will continue. The plan includes a project to plant 5 million trees to resolve fine dust threatening residents’ health, aligning with government policies such as the Green New Deal and urban regeneration projects to maintain a clean and eco-friendly city.
Moreover, to respond to increasing welfare demands, infrastructure expansion such as building comprehensive social welfare centers and resident convenience facilities is planned. Especially, with the expansion of government welfare policies causing a significant increase in mandatory expenses, the district plans to secure soundness and efficiency through rigorous expenditure restructuring and focused financial management.
Along with this, the district has set the Mapo-gu living wage at 10,702 KRW, the same level as Seoul City's living wage, for next year as well as this year, aiming to help stabilize the livelihoods of non-regular workers.
Furthermore, the district plans to operate finances systematically by strictly reviewing local fiscal investments and purchase/construction contracts, and maintain closer cooperation with central government ministries and Seoul City to secure national and city subsidies for local projects.
Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun of Mapo-gu said, “Despite difficult financial conditions, we have increased next year’s budget to stabilize the lives of marginalized and vulnerable neighbors and to revitalize public welfare, health, safety, jobs, tourism, and the local economy. We will do our best to overcome the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 and proactively prepare for the post-COVID era.”
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