LOCAL IDENTITY AS A PRIORITY DIRECTION IN STRATEGIC PLANNING OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The author of the article investigated local identity as a priority direction in the strategic planning of territorial communities (TC) at the present stage. Local identity is the identification of oneself with the society that lives in a given territory, in particular, in the territory of the TC. In the context of decentralization, local identification is an essential support for members of the TC local community, which allows them to determine their own position, and becomes the basis for activity in solving local affairs. In the formation of the local identity of the TC, the author has identified four main components: 1) local (territorial) mentality – characteristic of residents of a certain area, their characteristic system of values ​​and assessments; 2) an idea of ​​the features and properties of the territory of their residence; 3) territorial interests – a common idea for members of the respective territorial community about the state, goals and ways of the territory development; 4) local (spatial) self-identification as an awareness of belonging to that territory, territorial community. One of the most important priorities of the decentralization process is the creation of financially wealthy communities, which involves focusing not only on the number of TC created, but also on their quality. The author has proved that the fundamental document that provides for the formation of a capable TC is a community development strategy. It was found that the main problem of creating a strategic plan is that it should be formed with the active participation of TC members. It’s thanks to local identity that the active participation of citizens in decision-making of local significance can be ensured. In the article, the author comes to the conclusion that strategic planning in the development of TC shouldn’t only be an instrument of economic and social efficiency and improve the life of society, but also a part of the policy of forming local identity based on the principles of democracy and full consideration of citizens’ rights.