The ranking includes all cities and municipalities in Poland—with the exception of the capital city. Warsaw is not classified because of its different legal system and size. The ranking recognizes local governments in three categories: cities with county rights, urban and urban-rural municipalities, and rural municipalities.
In this year’s edition, Bolesławiec ranked ninth in the category of urban and urban-rural municipalities. The prestigious distinction for Bolesławiec was accepted by the city’s mayor, Piotr Roman. “Bolesławiec’s high ranking is the result of the efforts of all residents, the entire team and a range of measures that contribute to the lasting and sustainable development of the local community,” emphasizes Piotr Roman.
“The ‘Rzeczpospolita’ Local Government Ranking is considered one of the most prestigious and credible rankings in Poland. For 15 years, the editorial team of ‘Rzeczpospolita’ has assessed the achievements of local authorities in Poland, making it possible to identify and showcase those local governments that take the best care of their sustainable development. The ranking’s rules are established by an independent Chapter chaired by former Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Prof. Jerzy Buzek. Its members also include representatives of local-government organizations, non-governmental organizations, public authorities and the editorial team of ‘Rzeczpospolita.’ In accordance with the methodology adopted by the Chapter, our ranking verifies the effectiveness of local authorities’ actions in shaping the sustainable development of the local community, considered in the strategic categories of economic, environmental and social sustainability, as well as management quality,” the ranking organizers report.
The Fundament Rzeczpospolitej Award, named after Michał Kulesza, was also presented during the gala. This year, it was accepted by former Katowice mayor Piotr Uszok.
The ceremony concluded with a debate on financing local-government development and the threats associated with rising current expenditure, including spending on education, salaries, construction services and electricity. The debate was moderated by Bogusław Chrabota, editor-in-chief of “Rzeczpospolita”.