Reforms aim to strengthen representation, accountability and civic participation
Siheung City promulgated a comprehensive revision of its ordinance governing the establishment and operation of resident autonomy councils and centers on Oct. 1, with the updated rules taking effect Thursday in line with the amended Local Autonomy Act.
The revision was pursued to strengthen the representativeness and accountability of resident autonomy councils and to expand civic participation.
Key changes cover four areas: eligibility requirements and selection procedures for council members; stronger obligations and accountability standards for members; expanded participation in subcommittees and the creation of a new special committee; and a broader scope for autonomy plans linked more closely to participatory budgeting.
Under the revised rules, applicants for council membership must be residents aged 18 or older registered in the relevant dong, or foreign nationals holding permanent residency status. Members are selected by public lottery from among applicants who have completed at least two hours of preliminary training.
In addition, executives and staff of businesses, schools, institutions and organizations located within the dong may participate in subcommittee and newly introduced special committee activities separately from council members. The city said the changes are intended to strengthen resident representation while broadening opportunities for diverse community members to take part in local governance.
Alongside this, the revision clarifies members' obligations of political neutrality and active participation, as well as the criteria for dismissal. The scope of autonomy plans has been expanded to include regional development and revitalization initiatives, and stronger ties to participatory budgeting are designed to ensure that resident-led activities translate into tangible local projects.
To prepare the revision, the city ran a task force — comprising 24 people, including resident autonomy council members from all 20 dong, relevant civil servants and outside experts — four times between April and August. The city also held four resident autonomy policy meetings to gather on-the-ground opinions before proceeding with the full ordinance revision through the required legislative notice process.
Park Gyeong-a, chair of the Siheung City Resident Autonomy Council, said the revision was meaningful because it was developed collaboratively, drawing on diverse opinions from those working directly in resident autonomy.
"Progress in resident autonomy requires not only changes to the system but also the sustained participation and cooperation of residents," Park added. "I hope that resident engagement will continue to drive positive change in our communities."
Kim Jae-seong, director of the administrative bureau, said the city would support the stable implementation of the revised system by helping each dong refine its operational rules and providing training for council members, with the goal of realizing autonomous and accountable resident self-governance led by the people.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
