Fifteen Seoul districts hold first TF meeting Friday to discuss expanding renewal project authority and improving regulations; Dongjak-gu set to present formal proposals at Oct. 14 Seoul District Mayors' Council meeting
Dongjak-gu announced that it has formed a district task force on the transfer of authority to designate urban renewal zones and held its inaugural meeting Friday.
The task force was established to jointly identify regulatory improvements related to urban renewal projects, draft proposed amendments to relevant laws and systems, and coordinate with related agencies including the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Earlier, Dongjak-gu District Mayor Ryu Sam-young formally submitted "the transfer of authority over urban renewal zone designation and modification to autonomous districts" as an agenda item at the 203rd regular meeting of the Seoul District Mayors' Council, held Aug. 12.
The proposal stems from concerns that key authority over urban renewal projects within Seoul is concentrated in the central government and metropolitan administration, limiting the ability of individual districts — which are closest to local conditions and residents' needs — to respond swiftly.
In response, the Seoul District Mayors' Council agreed to form a district-level task force to develop concrete regulatory improvements and discuss ways to expand renewal project authority.
The first task force meeting was organized by Dongjak-gu and held Friday in the planning conference room on the fourth floor of the Dongjak-gu office, with urban renewal project officials from 15 Seoul districts in attendance.
The meeting covered key regulatory improvements aimed at accelerating renewal projects, including the transfer to individual districts of authority to designate and modify renewal zones of fewer than 500 units, an expansion of the scope of minor modifications to renewal plans, and the transfer of integrated review authority related to project implementation plan approvals.
Participants also shared updates on renewal project progress in their respective districts and discussed operational difficulties encountered under the current system, as well as the institutional constraints felt on the ground and the need for greater devolution of authority.
Based on the discussions from Friday's meeting, Dongjak-gu plans to formally present specific proposals for regulatory reform on the transfer of renewal zone authority at the 204th regular meeting of the Seoul District Mayors' Council, scheduled for Oct. 14.
"Because the process of carrying out renewal projects can vary depending on local conditions and project characteristics, the role of individual districts — which are closest to the scene — is critical," Ryu said. "We will develop the necessary regulatory improvements based on the opinions discussed at the district task force meeting and actively cooperate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the central government to ensure that renewal projects proceed smoothly."
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