Continuous Proposals for Adjusting Local Governments' Cost-Sharing Ratios in National and Provincial Subsidy Projects
Lee Mingeun, Mayor of Ansan: "There Are Limits to Individual Responses Amid Declining Tax Revenues"
Seven local governments in the central region of Gyeonggi Province have agreed to strengthen their joint response system to address the financial management challenges caused by the economic downturn and declining tax revenues.
The Central Gyeonggi Administrative Council held a regular meeting at the Anyang Smart City Integrated Center on the 28th and decided to pursue these measures.
On the 28th, participants including Lee Mingeun, Mayor of Ansan (third from right), pledged to strengthen cooperation at the regular meeting of the Central Gyeonggi Administrative Council held at the Anyang Smart City Integrated Center. Provided by Ansan City
The meeting was attended by Lee Mingeun, Mayor of Ansan and chairman of the council; Choi Daeho, Mayor of Anyang; Lim Byungtaek, Mayor of Siheung; Park Seungwon, Mayor of Gwangmyeong; Kim Sungje, Mayor of Uiwang; Choi Honggyu, Deputy Mayor of Gunpo; Song Yongwook, Deputy Mayor of Gwacheon; and about 50 other relevant officials.
Chairman Lee stated, "The seven cities in the central region will join forces to develop and implement livelihood measures that citizens can truly feel, and we will continue to solidify a cooperative system for mutual growth."
He emphasized, "Due to the economic downturn and reduced tax revenue, it is becoming increasingly difficult for local governments to manage their finances, and there are clear limitations to responding individually."
In particular, the local governments pointed out that "in the recent process of allocating government and Gyeonggi Province subsidy project budgets, the cost-sharing ratio for local governments has been unilaterally increased, raising concerns about the contraction of key projects related to citizens' lives and about financial management." They agreed to continue submitting proposals for a more reasonable adjustment of these cost-sharing ratios.
Additionally, the council discussed and agreed to seek solutions through close cooperation on the following agenda items: easing age requirements for youth policies, improving the pilot operation methods for Gyeonggi Province residency exams, establishing regulatory grounds for restricting fireworks on coastal areas, relaxing standards for establishing research institutes funded by local governments, securing stable funding for the national Mind Investment Support Project, expanding and easing the scope of public contribution target areas, and establishing grounds for local government officials to participate in integrated reviews of public housing projects.
Chairman Lee added, "Our cities will work together to develop practical measures for improving the quality of life for citizens and achieving balanced regional development. In the face of economic recession and financial difficulties, we will go beyond the limitations of individual responses and focus on jointly revitalizing the local economy and enhancing administrative efficiency."
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