Suwon, Goyang, Yongin, and Changwon Form 'Exceptional City Launch Task Force'

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Suh Dong-young] Suwon City has launched a joint task force and administrative council with Goyang, Yongin, and Changwon cities to secure powers for exceptional city status.

Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young met with Goyang Mayor Lee Jae-jun, Yongin Mayor Baek Gun-ki, and Changwon Mayor Huh Sung-moo on the 27th at "The State Hotel Seonyudo" in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to hold a "Mayor's Meeting for Securing Exceptional City Powers" and discuss measures to secure exceptional city authorities.

The mayors of four cities with populations exceeding one million decided to establish and operate the "Joint Task Force for Four Exceptional Cities Launch" and the "Council of Four Exceptional Cities." They also agreed to hold a "joint meeting."

The "Joint Task Force for Exceptional City Launch," which held its first regular meeting on the 19th, is responsible for securing administrative and financial powers for exceptional cities, and discovering and reviewing matters to request from the government. It will also work to amend related laws and enforcement ordinances by persuading relevant government bodies and the National Assembly, and promote "exceptional cities" to citizens.

The "Exceptional City Administrative Council" will undertake activities including improving exceptional city-related laws and regulations, and hosting forums, debates, and public hearings for expanded special privileges. It is planned to be established by March.

The "Joint Meeting of Four Exceptional Cities," which will be attended by the mayors, city council speakers, and regional constituency lawmakers of the four cities, is scheduled for February. It will discuss response measures with the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the National Assembly to secure exceptional city powers.

The joint task force of the four cities, the administrative council, city councils, and regional constituency lawmakers are expected to cooperate closely to secure exceptional city powers.

Mayor Yeom Tae-young said, "The goal of exceptional city status is to lift dual regulations and improve inefficient administrative systems to enhance citizens' quality of life," adding "We must secure powers befitting exceptional cities through amendments to related laws."

The "Comprehensive Amendment Bill to the Local Autonomy Act," which grants the designation of "exceptional city" to major cities with populations exceeding one million, passed the National Assembly plenary on December 9 of last year and was promulgated on the 12th. According to the supplementary provision stating "implementation shall commence one year after promulgation," "Suwon Exceptional City" is scheduled to launch on January 13, 2022.