Ustinkin S.V., Kukonkov P.I., Kuvakova I.M. Self-organization of the population and local self-government in a small town: the need and possibility of unification (analysis, sociological and expert surveys 2017-2025). In: Russia: center and regions : collection of scientific research materials. – Issue 31. – Moscow : Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, 2025. P. 59-88.

Abstract

The article briefly discusses the problems of reforming the Russian space in the context of the uncertainty of the post-global world, countering «social desertification», which is associated with adverse social or natural processes, and the expediency of preserving and developing small towns, local government and municipal government operating in them. It is noted that the needs of real practice in the process of improving the management system at its various levels are dictated by the redistribution, as necessary, of functions and powers between bodies of different levels of government in order to improve civil society institutions and self-organization of the population, including residents in the independent choice of priorities and management of the development of the territory of residence. Based on the analysis of the situation in small towns of the Nizhny Novgorod region, the risks of unifying approaches to the development of a particular municipal district are being studied.