I. Metshin: "Association of Cities of the Volga region is a unique platform for the exchange of experiences"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, December 15). In Russia there are not so many platforms where heads of cities can share their experiences. Successful operation of the Association of Cities of the Volga region, which in recent years has put a number of legislative initiatives to the federal level, shows the relevance of this type of work. This was stated by the Mayor of Kazan, chairman of the Association of Cities of the Volga region, Ilsur Metshin during the next general meeting of the ACV, which was held today in Orenburg.

Opening the meeting, Ilsur Metshin thanked the organizers for their hospitality and the high level of the forum. "Today we spend the first general meeting of ACV together with District Advisory Council on Development of Local Government and the Association of legislators of the Federation. This once again proves the high prestige of our Association and the trust of the Plenipotentiary Representative of RF President in the Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich to it. I hope that our further cooperation will continue to develop for the benefit of Russian cities ", - said Ilsur Metshin.

Deputy Presidential Envoy in the Volga Federal District Oleg Melnichenko said that in the 3.5 years of the existing of the Association of the Volga cities no one has ever questioned the correctness of the establishment of the organization. "Several years ago we came up with a joint initiative to create a consultative body for local government. Over the past year the organization received a second breath. Municipal leaders know about how things are going on at the places first of all. During its existence the Association of the Volga cities turned into a real working body, "- said Oleg Melnichenko and thanked Ilsur Metshin for his active work as the chairman of the ACV.

During the general meeting members of the ACV summed up the results of the year. Executive director of the Association noted that in 2015 members held a series of meetings of ACV, including 2 extensions. As part of the workshops issues related to the landscaping, road management, collection and transportation of solid waste, transport service and many other industries were discussed.

In addition, members of the ACV held a series of workshops including seminars on a detailed study of the foundations of the system of overhaul, as well as the management of multifamily housing stock and the control of compliance with the rules of improvement, which took place in Kazan.

In 2015 the Association of Cities of the Volga region replenished with several new members. In particular, at the last meeting today heads of administrations of Orenburg and Syzran received certificates of the entry from the hands of Ilsur Metshin.

At the end of the meeting the Mayor of Kazan, chairman of the ACV has awarded the most active members with letters of thanks for the contribution to the development of local self-government.

"I want to thank everyone for the joint systematic work this year. Those questions that we discussed at a retreat or by video conference were helpful. There is no other site where mayors can share useful experience in the country. At the same time we see the result of our work - proposals that we make are reflected in the legislative initiatives. Undoubtedly, we will continue to share useful experience, "- said Ilsur Metshin.