Mayor Park Seung-won of Gwangmyeong: "Building a Better Gwangmyeong with Citizens and Creating Clear Change"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Yu Je-sung] Mayor Park Seung-won of Gwangmyeong revealed his vision for the 9th popularly-elected government to build a better Gwangmyeong and create clear change together with great citizens.

At the inauguration ceremony for the 20th mayor of Gwangmyeong held at the Gwangmyeong Citizens' Sports Complex on July 1, Mayor Park stated, "Over the past eight years, together with citizens, we have created a 'citizen-sovereignty city' and a 'people-centered city,' proving the new possibilities of a capable local government." He emphasized, "Over the next four years, I will design a future 100 years centered on citizens, under the values of livelihood, peace, and solidarity, where everyone is happy and everyone lives well."

He continued, "'Livelihood' is a practical value that protects our precious lives, 'peace' is a future value that allows us to dream of tomorrow while protecting daily peace, and 'solidarity' is a practical value that makes all of this possible." He added, "Based on these three civic values, I will create a better Gwangmyeong and clearer change that citizens can feel."

Mayor Park presented six major strategies as core strategies to realize this vision: △a self-sufficient economic city embracing industry and jobs △transportation innovation as a future growth driver △balanced development where the old downtown and new cities grow together △realization of foundational society priority △livelihood economic stability based on local circular economy △and a sustainable city where people and nature coexist.

First, the Gwangmyeong-Siheung Techno Valley, the Gwangmyeong-Siheung Phase 3 New City, and the KTX Gwangmyeong Station Global MICE hub will be connected as a single growth axis to create a key economic hub in the southwestern Seoul metropolitan area where businesses and capital gather and quality jobs are created.

The Gwangmyeong-Siheung Techno Valley will be developed as a core industrial platform concentrating future cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and information and communications technology (ICT), with plans to strategically attract promising companies. The Gwangmyeong-Siheung Phase 3 New City will create a new growth axis where tourism, culture, and commercial functions are integrated, centered on the K-Arena, and based on this, will pursue designation as an economic free zone to further strengthen self-sufficient functions. The KTX Gwangmyeong Station area will be developed as a global MICE industry hub equipped with international conference, exhibition, and accommodation functions.

Efforts will accelerate in transportation innovation. Public bus routes and major lines will be expanded, and community shuttle services will be introduced to enhance citizens' daily transportation convenience.

The Sincheon-Haan-Sillim Line will be promptly finalized, and the expansion of metropolitan transportation networks including the Sinan Line, Wolgot-Pangyo Line, and GTX-D·G will proceed without delay. In addition, access to Seoul will be improved through direct road improvements, and the expansion of the Gwangmyeong and Mokgan bridges will enhance Seoul accessibility and internal urban connectivity. Future-type transfer centers will be constructed, and next-generation mobility services such as autonomous shuttle buses and robo-taxis will be introduced to proactively respond to future transportation environment changes.

Urban development will focus on growing new cities and the old downtown together. The key is to strengthen connectivity so that the Gwangmyeong-Siheung Phase 3 New City, the Gwangmyeong-Siheung Techno Valley, and the old downtown can coexist and develop in a balanced manner.

In redevelopment and reconstruction processes, essential infrastructure such as roads, water and sewage systems, and parking lots, as well as living infrastructure facilities such as parks, libraries, and cultural and sports facilities, will be sufficiently secured to enhance residential conditions for entire neighborhoods. Additionally, a transparent management system will be established to reduce information asymmetry and unnecessary conflicts in the improvement project process.

Foundational society policies will be further advanced. Building on the foundation of foundational society that Gwangmyeong City has laid over the past eight years, life-cycle-based basic services from infants to elderly, basic income, and integrated care will be organically linked to complete foundational society priority where any citizen can continue to live with dignity in their place of residence.

In particular, administrative capacity will be concentrated on livelihood stability. The benefits of Gwangmyeong Love Currency, including incentives and cashback, will be expanded, and alley businesses will be revitalized through local festival activation and delivery fee support. Additionally, customized job creation for different age groups will be expanded to make jobs the highest form of welfare.

Social solidarity economy will also be further strengthened. A Regional Economic Strategy Research Center will be established and funds will be raised to enhance policy expertise. Public procurement and intra-regional transactions will be expanded to broaden the growth foundation for cooperatives and social enterprises. Through this, a Gwangmyeong-style local circular economy where regional assets and values circulate within the region will be established.

Efforts will be strengthened for sustainable policies where people and nature coexist. The 1.5℃ Climate Citizen movement, a citizen-led carbon neutrality practice campaign, will be expanded, and climate responsibility will be reflected in budgets and the city overall. Solar power plants will be increased and eco-friendly industrial complexes will be created to lead energy transition.

Eco-friendly resource recovery facilities will be built and the recycling system will be advanced, while urban gardens and green spaces such as Gahak Mountain Arboretum will be continuously expanded to realize a sustainable city where people and nature coexist.

Finally, Mayor Park mentioned the constitutional spirit that "all power comes from the people" and repeatedly emphasized "'city administration with sovereign citizens.'"

Mayor Park stated, "I will create a 'city of citizens Gwangmyeong' where citizens freely enjoy their rights and discuss and resolve all city issues together with citizens," and promised, "With the conviction and determination that we will not fail if we are together with citizens, I will run alongside the citizens."

He continued, "Rather than being complacent that four years remain, with the sense of urgency that only four years remain, I will do my utmost to create a Gwangmyeong where all citizens live well together and a proud Gwangmyeong that all citizens can call home for life."