On March 25, 2025, Ivan Noskov, the mayor of Samara, presented a significant bill aimed at reorganizing the city's management system during a meeting of the Gubernatorial Duma. This proposed legislation seeks to strip Samara of its current status as a city district with intra-city divisions, effectively transforming it into a simpler city district. The change aims to eliminate the existing two-tier management system that has been criticized for its inefficiencies.
During his address, Noskov emphasized the challenges faced by district administrations and their associated Dumas, stating, "District administrations and Dumas do not have the means and authority to make serious decisions, therefore, they cannot create clear development plans." He pointed out that the lack of a systematic city-wide approach hampers progress in critical areas such as construction, tourism, business development, and the resettlement of dilapidated housing.
According to the mayor, the current two-tier system has blurred the lines of responsibility and has become a burden on the city budget. He remarked, "We are completing the period of experiments with a two-tier system, which does not contribute to the development of the regional center as a whole." Noskov also acknowledged the efforts of district administration colleagues who are willing to work with a sense of personal responsibility for both their districts and the city as a whole.
In addition to the management system overhaul, the administration of Samara is ramping up its efforts to resettle citizens from housing deemed dilapidated prior to 2017. This initiative was highlighted by Noskov during a personal reception with citizens, where he addressed concerns from residents of house number 38 on Taganskaya Street in the Kuibyshevsky district. These residents had expressed their reluctance to move into the proposed apartments from the maneuverable fund, which are intended for temporary housing solutions.
Noskov stated, "Since this year, Samara is increasing the pace of resettlement of citizens from housing recognized as dilapidated before 2017. It is important that residents of emergency houses receive new, comfortable apartments as quickly as possible." He reassured those living in temporary accommodations that each apartment from the maneuverable fund is renovated before occupancy, ensuring a better living standard.
In response to the concerns raised by Taganskaya residents, the city will provide consultation assistance regarding their options for new housing or compensation for acquiring new homes. This proactive approach reflects the administration's commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens.
Furthermore, discussions during the reception included requests for improvements in community infrastructure. Residents of house number 3 on Lenin Avenue sought the expansion of the container site for waste disposal. The Oktyabrsky district administration, in collaboration with relevant departments, will assess the feasibility of installing additional containers and possibly relocating the site, ensuring compliance with health regulations set by Rospotrebnadzor.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the city's infrastructure, an emergency repair plan for underpasses and road sections from Lenin Avenue to Avtobusny proezd is set to be included in the road campaign for 2025. This plan aims to ensure safer and more accessible pathways for residents.
In conjunction with these improvements, the city plans to undertake comprehensive repairs of roads and sidewalks, with a focus on the broken sidewalk on Lenin Avenue adjacent to the Samara Youth House. Priority will be given to repairing access routes to kindergartens and schools, ensuring that children have safe passage to their educational institutions.
As these initiatives unfold, the administration's focus remains on improving the living conditions for all Samara residents. The proposed changes in governance and the intensified resettlement program signify a commitment to addressing long-standing issues in the city.
In summary, the recent developments in Samara's governance and urban planning reflect a concerted effort by the local administration to streamline decision-making processes and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. As the city moves away from a cumbersome two-tier system, it aims to foster a more effective and responsive management structure that prioritizes community needs.
