Hwaseong Mayor Jung Myung-geun Receives Grand Prize in '2025 WFPL 8 Local Government Innovation Evaluation'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyuk] Mayor Jung Myung-geun of Hwaseong Special City received the grand prize, the highest honor, in the '2025 WFPL 8 Local Government Innovation Evaluation' held on the 19th at the National Assembly Members' Hall.

Hwaseong City achieved the highest score in the innovation evaluation conducted from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024, following the launch of the eighth democratically elected administration, according to the WF Local Government Innovation Index developed by the Government Evaluation Committee (GEC) under the World Federation Of Power Leaders (WFPL). The city was recognized for its differentiated innovation capabilities.

The evaluation was conducted based on 10 sectors, 19 items, and 120 detailed indicators including △strengthening local government competitiveness and revitalizing the regional economy △sustainable growth strategies for the region △transparent administrative operation and enhanced ethics △improving residents' quality of life and consideration for the socially disadvantaged △budget reduction and efficient financial management △establishing community safety nets △job creation and establishing an economic foundation △building sustainable development models △pledge implementation, and was evaluated by the city achieving the highest scores in all sectors, establishing itself as an innovative local government.

The city received high marks for successfully implementing K-semiconductor belt development and fostering cutting-edge industries, establishing Hwaseong-type smart cities, promoting global bioclusters, leading eco-friendly future mobility industries, introducing AI-based administrative services, administrative innovation with enhanced fairness and transparency, expanding complex cultural spaces, strengthening customized care services, and sustainable green growth strategies.

In particular, the city's economic revitalization policies promoting local currency to help small business owners by circulating regional funds, and supporting stable business activities for small and medium-sized enterprises through operating capital and special guarantees were recognized as effective.

Mayor Jung stated, "I am greatly honored to receive the innovation grand prize, the highest category in WFPL local government evaluation, and this is thanks to the dedication of 1.04 million citizens and approximately 3,000 public officials. The city will not stop pursuing change and challenge, and will leap forward as a leading innovative city spearheading the future of local autonomy in Korea. As we welcome a year of hope, we will repay the expectations of our citizens with responsive administration."