Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jeong: "After 100 Days of Results, Now for Changes Citizens Can Feel"

[Financial News, Daejeon = Kim Won-jun] Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jeong declared that the city administration would focus its capabilities on delivering results that citizens can directly feel in their daily lives as he marked the 100th day since the launch of the ninth popularly elected administration.
 At an expanded executive meeting he chaired at Daejeon City Hall on the sixth, Mayor Heo credited public officials for the achievements of his first 100 days in office and encouraged them, saying, "Although we began amid challenging circumstances, we have achieved meaningful results, including the designation of a specialized complex for defense-industry materials, parts and equipment, progress on the Unified Military Academy, the attraction of Alteogen, Ontong Daejeon 2.0, Chungnam National University's selection for the 'Make 10 Seoul National Universities' initiative, and securing the right to host the 2029 Invictus Games."
 He continued, "It is important to report to citizens on the projects we have pursued, but what matters more is what we will accomplish and how we will do so to bring change to their lives." He emphasized, "This is the time when speed is most important for making our results more tangible."
 At the meeting, Mayor Heo called for preemptive measures to protect children's health and revitalize the local economy as part of a people-centered administration. Pointing out that Daejeon's school meal fees are among the lowest in the country, he instructed officials to raise them by about 15 percent. The move reflects his determination to make child welfare and the right to health top priorities despite the city's financial difficulties.
 He also called for measures to prevent local companies from moving elsewhere and to expand the industrial base. Citing the designation of the defense-industry materials, parts and equipment complex, Mayor Heo urged the city to quickly supply industrial land to support production. Regarding the development of the Ansan industrial site, he said, "The supply of industrial land is an issue tied to the city's survival and competitiveness. Unless there are legal problems, push ahead via a 'fast track' and lay the foundation for companies to continue growing."
 He also called for the stable operation of the local currency program Ontong Daejeon 2.0. With signs of increased consumption centered on neighborhood businesses—including a rise of 20,000 subscribers just over a month after its launch—he urged the city to actively inform residents that the cashback and mileage programs would continue without disruption through the end of December.
 Of the 84 artificial intelligence (AI) innovation projects identified, Mayor Heo instructed officials to prioritize those offering the greatest convenience to citizens and reflect them in next year's budget. He also strongly called for measures to minimize rush-hour traffic congestion through detour guidance and cooperation with relevant agencies at the Daedeok Bridge reconstruction site, where lane restrictions are scheduled to begin on the 19th.
 Mayor Heo's message was interpreted not simply as publicity for his 100-day achievements, but as an expression of his determination to shift the early policy direction of the ninth popularly elected administration from declarations to implementation. Analysts say that while he laid the groundwork for city administration early in his term through broad policy initiatives and major national projects, his strategy going forward is to maximize public satisfaction through policies closely tied to daily life, including education, welfare and support for small business owners. In particular, the increase in school meal fees and expansion of the local currency program are expected to provide a boost to the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
[email protected] Kim Won-jun Reporter