The composition of Odessa’s City Strategic Development Council has changed

In Odesa, amendments were made to the order establishing the City Strategic Development Council. The document provides for an update to the council’s membership, but does not specify exactly who has joined the council or who has been replaced.

The joint order, published on Odessa’s official website, was signed by the acting mayor of Odessa, City Council Secretary Ihor Koval, and the head of the Odessa City Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak.

The changes were made to the document dated May 18, 2026, which established the Odessa Strategic Development Council. The new version includes two appendices to the previous order—these appendices contain updated information on the council’s work and its membership.

The order states that the changes are intended to ensure an updated membership and the stable operation of the advisory body. Ihor Koval and Serhiy Lysak have retained oversight of the document’s implementation.

In early 2026, Odesa adopted its Development Strategy. The document was approved in February and outlines the city’s main development priorities for the next two years.

However, such a timeframe is considered short for long-term planning, as a community strategy should cover a broader period and not depend on changes in political leadership.

Odessa’s next strategic planning cycle is set to span seven years. This will allow the city to set priorities for a longer period, specifically extending beyond a single term of office for city council members.

The Odesa Strategy Conference 2026, held on September 12 with the participation of representatives from local government, business, civil society organizations, and academic and professional circles, was also dedicated to discussing Odesa’s future. More than 140 participants and 40 experts took part in the event.

Ірина Глухова