Icheon City Mobilizes Emergency Budget of 356 Billion Won to Overcome Crisis and Stabilize People's Livelihoods

[Suwon Ilbo=Eom In-yong Reporter] Icheon City announced that the "2026 First Supplementary Budget" of 1.7066 trillion won (including the base budget), compiled for economic stimulus and livelihood stabilization, was confirmed at the Icheon City Council plenary session on the 2nd.

This represents a 356 billion won increase from the base budget, with 292.6 billion won added to the general account and 63.4 billion won to special accounts. This is a preemptive fiscal injection to recover the sluggish regional economy caused by early-year cold waves, high inflation, and recent Middle East geopolitical instability, while supporting residents' living stability.

In particular, the city will comprehensively push forward a "special livelihood stabilization plan" worth a total of 39.1 billion won through this supplementary budget, focusing on tangible support that residents can feel.

The livelihood stabilization additional measures are centered on three major areas: △stabilizing the lives of vulnerable groups including low-income earners △supporting small business owners and revitalizing the local economy △promptly addressing residents' living inconveniences.

First, in response to high energy costs, approximately 5,200 households of basic living allowance recipients and those in near-poverty brackets were proactively provided heating subsidies of 200,000 won per household (50,000 won from provincial budget, 150,000 won additional from Icheon City) in March, alleviating the burden on vulnerable groups.

To ease the burden on consumers and small business owners and recover the local economy, the "I Love Icheon" regional currency incentive was expanded to a nationwide-leading maximum of 20% (10% on top-up, additional 10% on usage), and in May and September, all partner merchants will simultaneously apply top-up and payment benefits to maximize consumption stimulus effects.

Additionally, extra incentives are provided when using public delivery apps to encourage consumption recovery centered on alley merchants.

Notably, the city plans to expand special guarantee programs and business environment improvement projects, and provide customized support by commercial zone to support management stability and self-reliance.

The city also accelerates addressing inconveniences directly affecting residents' daily lives. To resolve issues raised in "conversations with residents," 17.5 billion won was reflected in the supplementary budget for improvements including road maintenance, river maintenance, sports facilities, and hiking trail repairs, aiming to enhance living environment improvement effects.

Additionally, the city plans to concentrate 66% of consumption and investment fiscal spending, 504.1 billion won (based on base budget), in the first half to simultaneously stimulate local consumption and investment, serving as a catalyst for economic recovery.

Meanwhile, this supplementary budget balanced urban foundation and future preparation investments beyond livelihood measures.

Major projects include △social welfare and health 11 billion won △sports infrastructure expansion 21.6 billion won △road development and transportation network expansion 29.1 billion won △public parking lots and garage development 34.5 billion won △safety prevention facility maintenance 18.2 billion won △agriculture and livestock support 16.1 billion won, and others.

Additionally, the city will also promote regional balanced development projects including construction of administrative welfare centers in Jangwon-eup and Changjeon-dong, construction of the Women's Vision Center, and acquisition of public land in the Jungri district.

Mayor Kim Kyung-hee stated, "Now, protecting citizens' lives is the top priority of city administration," adding, "From emergency support such as heating subsidies to policies revitalizing the local economy, we will mobilize all means to focus all efforts on livelihood recovery and economic stimulus."