Jo Gyuil, Prospective Jinju Mayor, "Revitalizing Old Downtown and Opening the Future with AI and Energy"

Announcement of Local Economy Policy Pledges
Expansion of Urban Regeneration, Fostering the AI Industry, and Promoting a Transition to Renewable Energy

Jo Gyuil, a prospective candidate for mayor of Jinju, announced his vision to build a foundation for future growth by revitalizing the old downtown, fostering the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, and expanding renewable energy, as he presented the core tasks in the 'local economy sector' among the promises for the 9th local government term at the city hall briefing room at 11 a.m. on May 6.

On this day, Jo stated, "Following last week, I am now announcing policy pledges for the local economy sector," adding, "Through old downtown regeneration, the development of advanced industries, and an energy transition, we will leap forward as a sustainable city."

Regarding the revitalization of the old downtown, Jo plans to steadily push forward existing urban regeneration projects while introducing new policies to drive tangible changes. He explained that urban regeneration projects currently underway in Seongbuk, Gangnam, Jungang, Sangdae, and Sangbong districts will be completed in stages, and that the creation of core facilities such as the Youth Hub House, Creative Culture Center, and Imagination Remake Center will invigorate the area.

[Photo by Choi Soon-kyung] Cho Gyuil, the preliminary candidate for mayor of Jinju City, is announcing the key tasks in the 'local economy sector' among the promises of the 9th local government on the 6th at 11 a.m. in the city hall briefing room.

Additionally, he presented plans to increase foot traffic by designating and supporting specialized zones in the old downtown, enacting ordinances, providing local tax reductions for buildings participating in the 'Good Rent' program, relocating public institutions, and operating historical and cultural tourism courses. He also pledged to implement practical, resident-oriented policies such as expanding public parking lots, hosting cultural festivals, and establishing 'Cultural Alleys' by utilizing vacant stores.

In particular, to improve outdated market environments, Jo said he would promote projects to install arcades and remove asbestos roofs, as well as improve support systems to expand the supply of city gas to areas that do not yet have access.

Jo also presented a strategy for fostering the AI industry. He emphasized, "AI is a key element across both industry and daily life, and establishing infrastructure is urgently needed to strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses." To this end, he announced plans to build an integrated AI data center, launch pilot projects for satellite information-based services, and create AI Open Labs for industrial convergence.

The strategy also includes introducing special funds to create a startup and investment ecosystem for AI, and applying AI technology to regionally specialized industries such as aerospace and bio. From a talent development perspective, he plans to expand industry-academia collaboration projects, provide youth internships, and support employment incentives to encourage AI talent to settle locally.

In the renewable energy sector, Jo aims to expand the distribution of electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as energy infrastructure. By 2030, the city plans to supply 12,400 electric vehicles and 1,000 hydrogen vehicles, while continuously expanding charging facilities.

Furthermore, he will introduce a pilot project for profit-sharing cooperative solar power plants to establish a resident-participatory energy model, and pursue the designation of a distributed energy special zone in the Jeongchon Root Industrial Complex to provide companies with a stable power supply system.

Jo Gyuil stated, "I will create a structure where people and the economy gather again in the old downtown, and where AI and renewable energy become the future engines of growth," adding, "I will firmly establish the foundation for Jinju's sustainable growth."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.