Paju-si Awarded Excellence Prize in the 'Democratic Party Local Autonomy Awards'

Operation of the Mobile Mayor’s Office and Promotion of Prostitution District Closure Recognized in Autonomous Administration Category
Mayor Kim Kyung-il: “Pioneering Paju-Style Policies for the First Time in the Nation... Leading the Advancement of Local Autonomy”

Paju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Kyung-il) announced on the 11th that it received the Excellence Award in the autonomous administration category at the ‘Democratic Party Local Autonomy Awards’ held on the 10th, recognizing the achievements of policies implemented so far such as the Civil Service 2·5·7 System, the operation of the Mobile Mayor’s Office, and the promotion of the closure of prostitution districts.

Kim Kyung-il, Mayor of Paju City, is taking a commemorative photo after receiving the Excellence Award in the Local Administration category at the 'Democratic Party of Korea Local Autonomy Awards' held on the 10th. Provided by Paju City

The Democratic Party Local Autonomy Awards, held this time, targeted local governments affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea. It was hosted by the Democracy Research Institute and organized by the Korea Policy Management Institute. The evaluation areas were based on the Democratic Party’s values and philosophy, covering eight major policy capabilities and achievements: ▲Basic Society ▲Response to Population Decline ▲Autonomous Administration ▲Fiscal Decentralization ▲Regional Economic Revitalization ▲Climate Crisis ▲Social Integration ▲Balanced Development.

Among these, Paju City applied for various policy projects in four categories: ▲Basic Society ▲Autonomous Administration ▲Regional Economic Revitalization ▲Climate Crisis. In the Basic Society category, policies included the nation’s first ‘Emergency Energy Living Stability Support Fund’ payment, the nation’s first ‘Student-Only Commuter Circulation Bus’ named Paprika, the nation’s first transition of village buses to quasi-public operation, the introduction and expansion of demand-responsive smart buses, and the nation’s first case of ‘Support for Civilian Victims of Agent Orange.’ Additionally, applications included expanded birth celebration support funds, customized basic income payments, and the expansion of public late-night children’s hospitals and pharmacies.

In the Climate Crisis category, policies included the nation’s first enactment of the ‘RE100 Support Ordinance’ and the establishment of the ‘RE100 Support Team,’ the promotion of eco-friendly banner production, and the nation’s first enactment of the ‘Paju City Ordinance on Promoting the Use of Eco-Friendly Materials and Recycling of Banners’ utilizing discarded banners. Efforts to build a green hydrogen production base and expand hydrogen supply were also included. Furthermore, in the Regional Economic Revitalization category, policies submitted included the issuance of the nation’s largest local currency and expansion of its usage, the hosting of the ‘1st Paju City Corporate Expo,’ and support projects for small business owners and youth.

As a result, Paju City received the Excellence Award in the autonomous administration category for the ‘Civil Service 2·5·7 System,’ which shortened administrative procedures such as permits by more than twice and increased satisfaction with administrative services, the operation of the ‘Mobile Mayor’s Office,’ an active communication administration that visits citizens on-site, and the promotion of the ‘Closure of Prostitution Districts.’

Mayor Kim Kyung-il of Paju City said, “It is an honor to receive an award at this meaningful ceremony for the development of local autonomy, thanks to the interest and support of Paju citizens and the efforts of Paju city officials.” He added, “Since we have implemented policies that no one else has thought of as the ‘nation’s first’ while listening to the voices of citizens, we will continue to do our best to build Paju as a self-sufficient city of one million people, focusing solely on the citizens.”