The Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City Council, formed through the administrative integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju, will mark its 100th day on October 8. Initially focused on establishing a unified legislative system, the council is now expanding its oversight of integrated governance, including organizational restructuring, finance, and personnel verification, while addressing future industries and local issues.
The council held its first plenary session at 12:05 a.m. on July 1, processing 330 essential local regulations necessary for the establishment of the unified special city. Within three days of its opening, the council completed its formation, merging the structures and systems of the two previous metropolitan councils.
During its second extraordinary session, the council addressed 155 agenda items, and in the September regular session, it reviewed key issues related to integrated governance, including budget settlements and organizational restructuring plans.
The council also took action on financial management, rejecting an initial plan to issue local bonds that exceeded the legal limit of 27.1 billion won, and instead approved a revised proposal. A special committee was formed to verify the candidate for the Deputy Mayor of Political Affairs.
In response to future industries and local issues, the council unanimously passed a bill titled 'Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City Global Semiconductor Strategic Investment Support Ordinance,' which was introduced by Chairman Song Hyung-gon and co-sponsored by all 91 council members.
Discussions regarding the establishment of a national medical school are ongoing, focusing on balanced medical development and regional cooperation.
The council is also communicating with the government and the National Assembly on local issues, including the relocation of public institutions and securing national funding.
Activities of special committees addressing long-term projects, such as the semiconductor cluster, military airport relocation, basic social systems, dam basin development, and youth policies, have also begun in earnest. The council is discussing critical infrastructure issues, such as water supply and power, related to the semiconductor industry.
Since the establishment of the unified special city, efforts to improve the special law have identified 82 tasks across 12 committees in areas including finance, industry, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, environment, and welfare.
Key tasks include ensuring substantial guarantees for 20 trillion won in financial support, prioritizing the designation of the semiconductor cluster, special provisions for metropolitan bus operations, and exemptions from feasibility studies for public health institutions and local medical centers. The council plans to advocate for these tasks to be reflected in special legislation with the government and the National Assembly.
The council is also establishing cooperative systems with other metropolitan councils, such as those in Jeju and Sejong, and continues to work on expanding the authority and role of local councils through discussions on local council legislation and proposals to the government.
Chairman Song Hyung-gon stated, “The past 100 days have been a time to unite two different councils and establish a new legislative system for the unified special city. We will ensure thorough oversight and monitoring, and we aim to take bold steps in changing the future of the region and the lives of its citizens.”
Looking ahead, the Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City Council will conduct its first administrative audit and review the budget for 2027. The council plans to focus its legislative activities on connecting the institutional foundations established in the early days of its formation to actual policies and projects.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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