Gwangju Metropolitan City tops the nation in cases selected as “Outstanding Balanced Growth Cases” for second consecutive year

【Financial News, Jeonnam-Gwangju = Hwang Tae-jong, reporter】The Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City (Gwangju Metropolitan City) had the most cases selected nationwide for the second consecutive year as “Outstanding Cases in the Autonomous Account of the Balanced Growth Project,” overseen by the Presidential Committee for the Era of Local Autonomy, which is directly under the president.
 According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 23rd, the Presidential Committee for the Era of Local Autonomy evaluates the performance of Balanced Growth Projects each year, selects outstanding cases, disseminates their results and awards those who have contributed to the projects.
 This year, it again selected 20 “Outstanding Cases in the Autonomous Account of the Balanced Growth Project”: eight projects budgeted by cities and provinces (metropolitan-level local governments) and 12 budgeted by cities, counties and districts (basic local governments).
 The 20 cases included three projects carried out in Gwangju Metropolitan City: the city/province-budgeted Cultural Regeneration of Idle Spaces, Including Former Industrial Facilities, and Smart Village Deployment and Expansion projects, and the city/county/district-budgeted General Agricultural and Fishing Village Development Project in Damyang County.
 An official from Gwangju Metropolitan City emphasized, “This achievement is the result of improving living conditions by identifying projects that reflect local characteristics and implementing them with residents at the center, while revitalizing communities and boosting local vitality.” The official added, “Gwangju Metropolitan City is the only place in the country to have two city/province-budgeted projects selected.”
 The Cultural Regeneration of Idle Spaces, Including Former Industrial Facilities project, selected as an outstanding case this year, transformed the former Jangheung Prison into a multi-purpose cultural space called “Papillon Zip.” It received high marks for revitalizing local cultural activities and expanding residents’ opportunities to enjoy culture by running community-participation arts programs and experiential spaces.
 The Smart Village Deployment and Expansion Project provides tailored care services—including health management and emotional support for older adults, as well as emergency response—using AI companion robots. It was highly praised for reducing gaps in care and strengthening the local community’s social welfare safety net.
 The General Agricultural and Fishing Village Development Project in Damyang County established Dambit Nuri Center, a hub for culture and welfare, under the leadership of residents, expanding resident capacity-building and everyday welfare services. It was recognized for contributing to better rural living conditions and more active local communities.
 Last year, 20 “Outstanding Cases in the Autonomous Account of the Balanced Growth Project” were selected nationwide. Among them were three projects from the former South Jeolla Province—the most of any region—including the province/city-budgeted Aging Waterworks Improvement Project, from before the Jeonnam-Gwangju administrative integration, and the city/county/district-budgeted General Agricultural and Fishing Village Development Projects in Gokseong County and Hampyeong County. 
 An official from Gwangju Metropolitan City said, “Having the most cases selected nationwide for two consecutive years is the result of identifying projects suited to local characteristics and of the joint efforts of cities, counties, districts and residents.” The official added, “We will continue to identify and implement balanced growth projects that reduce gaps between regions and make a tangible difference to residents.”

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