Bobryshev Assesses Participatory Budgeting in Shimsky District

Yuri Bobryshev, Chairman of the Novgorod Regional Duma, and Deputy Anatoly Sevostyanov, who returned home on leave from the special military operation zone for a few days, made a working trip to Shimsky District. The visit aimed to assess facilities being modernized under participatory budgeting programs and to meet with local community leaders.

The first stop was a tour of public spaces in Shimsk. The speaker checked the progress of the park alley improvement under the federal project “Formation of a Comfortable Urban Environment” (part of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”). So far, contractors have removed old paving, cut down hazardous trees, and installed drainage and decorative lighting. They are now laying pedestrian paths and installing small architectural forms. The project costs 3.4 million rubles (about $40,000 at current rates), with completion expected by the end of July 2026.

Bobryshev also inspected the square in front of the district administration building, where reconstruction is underway under the “People«s Budget” program. The project includes replacing paving slabs and updating architectural elements. Shimsky District Head Olga Arkhipkova explained that the pedestal under the Lenin monument was in disrepair. After repairs, the monument will be returned to its original place. “We want to improve this area after the renovation. We plan to install lighting and landscaping; the project is already prepared,” said Arkhipkova.

The main event of the visit was a meeting with residents, attended by heads of local institutions and enterprises, members of the Public Chamber, district Duma deputies, village elders, and representatives of territorial public self-governance (TPS).

Speaking to those gathered, Yuri Bobryshev emphasized the importance of participatory budgeting for territorial development. He recalled that such practices first appeared in Novgorod 15 years ago when he served as mayor: “We decided then: first you develop a project for what you want to see in your yard, then we try to get partial funding from the budget for these purposes. Initially, this was met with negativity. But when people saw their yards, playgrounds, and territories changing for the better, they immediately got involved. The key is to approach any task comprehensively. Over the past five years, the region has allocated nearly 2 billion rubles to address residents« issues through participatory budgeting projects, and Novgorod Oblast is among the leaders in Russia in the number of such practices.” The speaker stressed the need to involve residents in decision-making and to use all available programs to create comfortable conditions.

During the meeting, Shimsk residents asked questions, including about the implementation of the regional “First Child” capital, the work of TPS organizations, and their interaction. Attendees also shared their experiences with participatory budgeting projects.

District Head Olga Arkhipkova reported on projects planned for 2026 and outlined plans for 2027. She noted that this year the district is implementing a wide range of initiatives, from improvements under the “People«s Budget” and the Program for Support of Local Initiatives (PSLI) to installing memorial stands and cemetery fences through TPS projects.

Special attention was paid to Deputy Anatoly Sevostyanov«s candidacy for a new term. Sevostyanov, a participant in the special military operation, actively works with district residents; during his absence due to combat missions, Yuri Bobryshev has taken personal control of Shimsk residents» issues. “It«s nice to come home, even for a few days, and see that a lot of improvement work is underway. The district is changing and becoming better. Every time I»m on leave, I try to walk all the streets to see what has been done and where extra effort is needed,” said Anatoly Sevostyanov.