17 Local Governments Propose 121 Policy Recommendations to Government

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security held a "December Regional Vice Mayors and Governors Meeting" on the 26th at the Government Seoul Office, presided over by Minister Yoo Jung-bok.

The meeting was conducted in the format of a discussion forum to present grievances and improvement measures from local governments to central ministries and to convert excellent policies by local governments into government policies.

The 17 regions and provinces submitted a total of 121 policy recommendations at the meeting. By relevant ministry, there were 45 from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, 17 from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, 17 from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 7 from the Ministry of Environment, 5 from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, 5 from the Ministry of Industry and Energy, 4 from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 3 each from the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Future Creation, and 12 other items.

Among the major policy tasks discussed, Busan presented tasks including measures to strengthen the viability of traditional markets, improvements to methods of garnishing financial assets of delinquent local tax payers, and establishing a one-stop handling system for street lamp-related civil complaints.

Gwangju Metropolitan City presented a plan to provide safe-return taxi services using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, while Daejeon Metropolitan City presented measures including establishing safety standards for children's playgrounds in forests and improving disclosure regulations for violations by public health businesses under the "Public Health Management Act."

Jeju Province proposed mobile application-based local tax notices and introduction of preferential card systems to revitalize alleyway commerce.

Meanwhile, disaster countermeasures to prevent damage from high-concentration fine dust caused by recent China-originating smog and to prepare for winter heavy snow and cold waves were also discussed.

The Ministry of Environment requested that local governments promote guidelines for public action by fine dust forecast levels following the implementation of air pollution warning systems. The National Fire Agency requested cooperation to minimize damage to citizens' lives and property by inspecting snow removal personnel, equipment, and materials in the event of disasters such as heavy snow and cold waves, and establishing cooperation systems among related organizations.

Minister Yoo Jung-bok of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security stated at the meeting, "I will accept the authentic opinions from the field of policy presented through the grievances and recommendations felt by local governments, which serve as the closest point of administration to the people, and will make every effort to fully reflect them in next year's government policy planning."