Gong Byeongcheol, Gwangsan District Councilor in Gwangju, Explores Measures to Revitalize Resident Autonomy

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gong Byeongcheol, a member of the Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju Metropolitan City (covering Sinheung-dong, Usan-dong, Wolgok 1·2-dong, Nam-dong), announced on the 29th that he held a meeting to explore ways to revitalize the residents' autonomy association.

The Gwangsan-type Residents' Autonomy Association Policy Support Group, led by Councilor Gong, was formed to seek ways to revitalize the residents' autonomy association, develop institutional and policy directions, and discuss improvement plans in preparation for the full implementation of residents' autonomy associations in all 21 neighborhoods.

The group consists of 12 members, including Councilor Gong, Councilor Yoon Hyeyoung, residents' autonomy organizations, experts, and related public officials.

The meeting was organized to discuss the increasing demand for professional personnel on-site due to the expansion of the authority and functions of the residents' autonomy association, as well as the necessary support for the stable operation of the association.

Attendees shared opinions on adjusting working hours for administrative staff of the residents' autonomy association, strengthening hiring requirements, establishing compensation standards for the secretariat director, increasing attendance allowances for the association, and improving the operation of residents' autonomy programs.

In particular, Councilor Gong shared key points of the ordinance amendment, titled "Partial Amendment to the Ordinance on the Pilot Implementation and Establishment and Operation of the Gwangsan District Residents' Autonomy Association," which he proposed and is scheduled to be promulgated on the 1st of next month. The amendment guarantees participation rights for foreign residents in the residents' autonomy association, adjusts the committee members' term to December 31 to unify accounting standards and terms, and simplifies the residents' autonomy education criteria for reappointed members.

Councilor Gong stated, "With the increase in the number of residents' autonomy association members and the expansion of their authority, we will promote the stable institutional settlement and effective operation of the pilot residents' autonomy association through necessary support such as defining roles between the secretariat director and staff and providing activity expenses."

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