Social dimensions of municipal sustainability: guidance for strategic planning

Abstract

Regional and urban sustainability no longer consider as an solely environmental or economic concern, but also incorporate social dimensions. However, the notions and indicators of social dimension of sustainability has not been very clearly defined. We linked social sustainability with the level of socio-economic well-being, equitable access to social service and quality of social capital. There are at least three types of municipalities in the Sverdlovsk region, based on the availability of certain social services and their dynamics. Analysis of strategic documents and policy actions of regional government demonstrate some positive shifts in social services availability, however regional differentiation on the demographic and economic indicators should also be taken in account. Gaps in the regional strategic planning system are identified and recommendations are formulated.