The collaborative work on the document envisaged both the analysis of the municipality’s current resources and the development of strategic goals, such as economic development, investment attractiveness, spatial planning, social services and environmental protection. Viktoriia Perepiolkina, the Head of Unit for Economic Analysis and Development of the Economic Development and Investment Department at Zmiiv City Council, shared the details.
According to her, from the very beginning, the municipality intended to make the document a living, practical document that allows not just formally declaring intentions but clearly seeing the areas of action: land inventory for spatial planning, creating conditions for attracting investors, municipal branding and developing tourist routes, promoting green tourism, supporting farmers and establishing advisory bodies for local businesses. The municipality also focused on the social component that covered the modernisation of educational institutions and healthcare facilities, repairing bomb shelters, expanding of the range of social services, integrating IDPs (there are over 19,000 of them), opening a cultural centre, a veteran hub, youth spaces and implementing barrier-free solutions.
Environmental issues were addressed as well: the municipality plans to host events to foster a culture of household waste management among the population, build a solid waste landfill with sorting and recycling lines, upgrade treatment facilities and develop water supply infrastructure.
Zmiiv’s development strategy was approved in early 2024, but the municipality is already undergoing training to initiate its recovery, because it understands that in wartime, it is vital to adapt to changes, set new priorities and seek new avenues for development:
"U-LEAD with Europe has been a key partner for the municipality in the strategic planning process. U-LEAD has supported us from the first stages of strategy development, from shaping our vision to designing specific measures. And now we have joined the training programme that will help us update it in line with new challenges," Viktoriia Perepiolkina said.
Expert consultations on the integration of IDPs as well as training activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of local professionals were particularly important. As the Head of Department explained, the future plans also include the development of a comprehensive plan for the recovery of the municipality’s territory being implemented with the support of U-LEAD.
According to Maryna Goncharenko, the Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in Kharkiv Oblast, Zmiiv is an example of a proactive and committed municipality, which, despite its proximity to the area of hostilities, continues to perform its basic functions as well as systematically plans its development:
"The municipality of Zmiiv showcases an important feature, the ability to think strategically even amidst instability. Their initiative to develop and update the strategy sets an example for other municipalities seeking support in difficult circumstances. We are happy to provide them expert support."
At the same time, the municipality is having a training on preparing a comprehensive recovery plan for the territory – another important document that will enable them to combine their strategic vision with practical projects. According to municipal officials, the partnership with U-LEAD experts was the key to bringing teams together, getting everyone on the same page, and turning ideas into a step-by-step action plan.
