Urban-rural Municipalities Research Articles

Use of a multidimensional comparative analysis to evaluate a synthetic indicator measuring environmental management in rural areas in Poland

The main objective of this study has been to measure and evaluate changes in the values of metrics applied to environmental management systems implemented in rural areas in the years 2010 and 2022. The study included three provinces in Poland representing different socio-economic development classes. Two strategic research groups were distinguished within the provinces: rural municipalities and rural areas in urban-rural municipalities. With the Perkal method, a synthetic indicator was constructed to measure environmental performance in rural areas. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied, leading to the results which substantiated the conclusion that the highest improvement of the environmental management indicator value was achieved in the province at the highest socio-economic development level, even though the sub-indicators did not improve between 2010 and 2022 in all the analysed groups. The management of the environment is a task mostly delegated to local governments. Proposing an environmental monitoring method can support making decisions at the level of local governments as regards directions in the management of the environment in a given area because the synthetic indicator created in this study comprises only these elements that can be moulded by actions undertaken by local governments.

Testing the Zipf’s law under heterogeneous urban-rural hierarchies with spatial quantile regressions

ABSTRACT Despite the widespread recognition of Zipf’s law in urban economics, empirical evidence reveals deviations from the strict adherence to its postulated parameters. In our contribution to this ongoing debate, we applied Zipf’s law to population density of a metropolitan hierarchy in Greece (1033 municipalities) over a substantial timeframe (1961–2021). To overcome the specific limitations of global Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) models, cross-section spatial quantile regressions had been performed. The outcomes unveiled heterogeneous rank-size relationships for urban municipalities corresponding with the first and the second quartile of density distribution. These relationships became more homogeneous in rural municipalities (third and fourth quartiles). Consistent with the predictions of Zipf’s law, slope coefficients exhibited a notable increase over time, approaching 1 for mixed urban-rural municipalities. Conversely, they remained slightly below 1 for strictly urban municipalities and slightly above 1 for strictly rural ones. Space was found to play a significant role during late urbanization (1980s-1990s), suggesting an impact of agglomeration economies on metropolitan hierarchy. Suburbanization exerted a reverse effect resulting in more heterogeneous hierarchies since the late-1990s. Our findings underscore the intricate nexus between deviations from Zipfian patterns in urban-rural population distribution and the spatially explicit dynamics of city life cycles.

Depopulation in Rural Areas of the Warmia and Mazury Voivodeship

The aim of the article was to analyse and evaluate the situation of rural municipalities and rural areas located in urban-rural municipalities in the Warmia-Mazury voivodeship in terms of the phenomenon of depopulation in 2012-2022. The study uses the method of classification of territorial units created by J. W. Webb (1963). The phenomenon of depopulation intensified in rural municipalities and in rural areas in urban-rural municipalities. The element mainly influencing depopulation during these years was population emigration. The deterioration of the population situation in the study areas was also associated with a decline in natural increase. Considering the changes that took place in the years under study and their intensity, it can be concluded that in the coming years the phenomenon of depopulation will begin to develop with even greater force and dynamism.

The Condition of Climate Change Adaptation in Polish Municipalities Before and After the Pandemic on the Basis of Cso Environmental Indicators - Management Implications

The pandemic undoubtedly had a significant impact on local development management processes in municipalities in economic, social, environmental and institutional-political dimensions. The article presents and evaluates various activities of municipal governments in the field of environmental management for climate protection and formulates recommendations for municipalities in this regard. The main purpose of this article is to assess the condition of climate change adaptation in municipalities before and after the pandemic, particularly in Polish municipalities, based on the environmental specific indicators of the Central Statistical Office. The purpose of the paper was realized on the basis of a review of the latest literature on the subject, domestic and foreign, as well as quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis. The study was carried out in thirty Polish urban-rural municipalities, , at the same time district cities (cities of the seat of county government, cities, "micro capitals" of counties), with varying own incomes. In Polish municipalities, climate change adaptation priorities have changed in very positive terms after the pandemic, in particular, this applies to municipal spending on ambient air protection (including renewable energy sources, thermal modernization, etc.), which has increased two or even three times compared to the time before the pandemic, which has not yet been recognized and studied in the conducted review of the recent literature on the subject. At the same time, the pandemic period slowed down the remaining investment and management of environmental activities, and generally did not improve waste management in municipalities.

Logistics support of military units as a determinant of local development

Local development is one of the key directions of action of all countries in the world. This is due to concern for the quality and standard of living of the inhabitants locally, regionally, and, consequently, also national. Development is influenced by several factors that affect the territorial unit, most generally these factors can be divided by the extent of their occurrence (external and internal). Contemporary researchers in the Polish and foreign literature devote considerable attention to identifying these factors, measuring the strength of their impact, as well as determining which of them occur universally, such as throughout the country, and which of them occur only in a specific region or at a specific period of time. In the article, the author focused on the identification of logistic support of military units as determinants of local development. Logistic support of military units is carried out directly through Garrison Support Unit (GSU) - polish acronym – WOG or Support Units (SU) - polish acronym – OZ. The first GSU were established in 2008 as part of a pilot program, and at the beginning of 2013, the territorial support system for military units in the garrisons of the Polish Armed Forces was put into operation (Borucka 2013, p.39-48). Garrison Support Unit and Support Units and military units located on the territory of municipalities and districts are significant workplaces for the local population, both civilian and military. Moreover, these entities report a demand for various types of goods and services, often among local suppliers. GSUs and SUs are responsible for the implementation of these purchases in accordance with the public procurement law. In addition, they take part in shaping patriotic attitudes of young people by carrying out educational activities, setting state ceremonies, organizing cultural and sports events. The purposes of this article were to examine the views of selected local government officials on how the logistical support of military units affects the local development of the local government units they represent. In her analysis, the author of the article focused the main attention on the socio-economic situation of these regions. She used both theoretical and empirical research methods, among them analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, comparison, generalization and an interview questionnaire. Six counties, three urban municipalities, eight urban-rural municipalities and 15 rural municipalities, which territorially in terms of logistical support belong to the 24th Garrison Support Unit, were surveyed. It should be noted that not all the surveyed local government units have military dislocated in them. Based on the survey, it was found that the logistical security provided by the 24th GSU to the military units in its area of responsibility, in the opinion of local government officials, both directly and indirectly influences the development of municipalities and counties. According to the respondents, endogenous factors have the greatest impact on this development, and one of them is the logistical support implemented by the 24th GSU.

Case study in Poland: Understanding spatial diversity of social vulnerability to natural hazards based on local level assessments within the European Union

Social vulnerability is an element of disaster risk theory and reduction, a tool to understand and improve risk mitigation. The paper focusses on social vulnerability to multi-hazards within the EU on Central and Southern Europe but not including physical factors; within Poland, this quantification type is as yet unavailable. Based on the knowledge and social vulnerability estimations in selected countries within the European Union and the US, it shows the Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards index to unify these approaches.One case study in Poland, which included careful study of the national database, revealed the problems of collecting useful data in order to study social vulnerability within municipalities. But it also indicated a useful variable when placing a social vulnerability assessment. The paper shows maps within the most vulnerable municipalities in Poland by percentage share, with 41.8% urban and 41.46% urban-rural municipalities showing the highest value of social vulnerability based on this comprehensive index. It also indicates the need to take locally better-targeted and diverse policy and actions for risk reduction using social vulnerability in the type of municipality.Such a richness of approaches with a simultaneous diversity of used variables could be due to a lack of any homogeneous data collected for municipalities within EU states. So we suggest there is a need to build a unified database in Europe in order to estimate social vulnerability in municipalities. It is a basic requirement when it comes to comparing disaster risk reduction progress and effectiveness in the EU.

Socio-Economic Factors Associated with Ethnic Disparities in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Hospitalization.

There is evidence that non-Italians presented higher incidence of infection and worse health outcomes if compared to native populations in the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to compare Italian- and non-Italian-born health outcomes, accounting for socio-economic levels. We analyzed data relative to 906,463 people in Umbria (Italy) from 21 February 2020 to 31 May 2021. We considered the National Deprivation Index, the Urban-Rural Municipalities Index and the Human Development Index (HDI) of the country of birth. We used a multilevel logistic regression model to explore the influence of these factors on SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization rates. Diagnosis in the 48 h preceding admission was an indicator of late diagnosis among hospitalized cases. Overall, 54,448 persons tested positive (6%), and 9.7% of them were hospitalized. The risk of hospital admission was higher among non-Italians and was inversely related to the HDI of the country of birth. A diagnosis within 48 h before hospitalization was more frequent among non-Italians and correlated to the HDI level. COVID-19 had unequal health outcomes among the population in Umbria. Reduced access to primary care services in the non-Italian group could explain our findings. Policies on immigrants' access to primary healthcare need to be improved.

ALLOCATION OF COHESION POLICY FUNDS IN RURAL AREAS IN POLAND

The article examines the scale of absorption and spatial distribution of European Union (EU) funds for the implementation of the Cohesion Policy (CP) in rural areas in Poland. The study covered all 2,173 rural and urban-rural municipalities in Poland in 2007-2018 during two financial perspectives of the EU: 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. The hypothesis was verified, i.e. municipalities located in provincial capitals functional urban areas (FUA) are characterized by a higher level of CP funds absorption than municipalities located in the rest of the country. Data for the study were obtained from the databases KSI-SIMIK 07-13 (2007-2013 perspective) and SL2014 (2014-2020 perspective). In the analyzed period, approximately PLN 500 billion was allocated in Poland from CP, of which 38% was to rural areas. Most funds were spent in rural areas on transport investments and infrastructure, while the least spent were on environmental protection and digitization projects. The spatial distribution of CP funds per capita has been presented using the Jenks Natural Breaks Classification optimization method. Three classes of municipalities were obtained according to the level of absorption: low (57% of communes), average (28% of communes), and high (15% of communes). The study confirmed that municipalities located in provincial capitals FUAs, despite the fact that they constitute 10% of the surveyed communes and 17% of the surveyed population, are characterized by 2.5 times higher absorption of CP funds per capita compared to other municipalities.

Diversification of agricultural activity in the territorial breakdown of Lubuskie Province

Abstract Research background Each type of administrative unit, including cities, towns and villages, plays a different role in the regional economy. In the case of rural areas, their most important function is agricultural production. Purpose This paper offers a contribution to the discussion on the review of the agricultural development strategy for Lubuskie Province. It attempts to present selected characteristics of the agricultural sector in a cross-section of municipalities of Lubuskie Province against the background of the general features of the agricultural sector in the region. Its purpose is to draw the attention of regional authorities and institutions to the heterogeneity of agricultural development within its territory. Research methodology The research was conducted using a principal component analysis as one of the methods of the graphical presentation of multivariate data. Data from the National Agricultural Census 2020 was used in the analysis. Results The results of the research corroborate the hypothesis of the existence of significant differences in the agricultural sector in the area of the examined rural and urban-rural municipalities in the region, and the need for differentiation of the measures used by the regional authorities to support agriculture in its territorial cross-section. Novelty The paper presents the results of a research on the heterogeneity of the development of the agricultural sector in the municipalities of the examined region. Such an analysis has never before been carried out for the province under consideration.

Municipal councillors’ assessments of the usefulness of information generated by financial and budget statements

Purpose: Entities from the public finance sector are required to function effectively. This translates significantly into the shape of public sector accounting. Achieving this goal requires relevant information, and the main sources of information about results are financial and budget statements, which are the basic products of accounting. This information is used by various users, including councillors, who are the decision-making and controlling body of communes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of the information provided by financial and budget statements for management purposes from the point of view of councillors Method/approach: The article uses the survey method. A questionnaire was emailed to 800 councillors of rural, urban and urban-rural municipalities. The survey was conducted in 2020, and 65 completed questionnaires were received. Findings: The information provided by public sector accounting supports decision-making in municipalities. Both budget reports and financial reports are essential for management purposes. The annual report on the implementation of the budget is transparent for councillors, and the information contained therein allows for effective management of the finances of communes. Originality/value: The article provides information about the usefulness of financial and budget statements to the management of the commune. It shows the viewpoint of one group of stakeholders – councillors.

Citizens' Perceptions of Landscape Changes and Their Driving Forces: Evidence from Poland.

The main aim of our studies was to explore the driving forces of landscape change and their impact on the landscape as perceived by citizens in our study. We use quantitative tools for unravelling processes of landscape change over time and a qualitative tool aimed at capturing people’s perceptions about those changes. We use the two municipalities of Ostrów Wielkopolski and Kąty Wrocławskie as illustrative examples of urban and urban–rural municipalities in two time periods, 2006–2021 and 2012–2018, in Poland. We apply a three-stage approach: (1) to identify the main landscape changes based on land-cover data, (2) to characterize those changes with the use of orthophoto maps and (3) to identify the driving forces of landscape changes with the use of an online survey and interviews. The results show a large agreement between the perceived and actual level of changes. We identified key landscape change processes in both municipalities, and we conclude that citizens’ perceptions concerning those processes in both municipalities differed depending on the context, the level of changes, and the way this process was planned and implemented. In both municipalities, the respondents pointed out political driving forces of landscape change as key underlying drivers. Future landscape planning should consider citizens’ approaches towards landscape change to achieve better societal approval and improve the quality of life of the inhabitants.

E-BANKING SECURITY DILEMMAS OF USERS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS – THE CASE OF KONIN COUNTY IN WIELKOPOLSKA

The aim of the study was to identify selected threats to e-banking security in the opinion of rural residents, on the case of Konin County. Available e-banking services were analysed against the background of cybercrime threats. The research was conducted in the year 2019. In the spatial scope, it concerned Wielkopolska and the territory of the Konin County, which consists of 14 municipalities, including 5 urban-rural municipalities and 9 rural municipalities. Using the method of diagnostic survey, on a sample of almost 400 people invited to the study, the results were collected. The majority of respondents were rural residents. The survey questionnaire consisted of 22 closed questions and information data. Suggested answers were programmed according to a five-point Likert scale. The study used Pearson’s chi-square statistical test of independence, comparative and descriptive analysis. Calculations were performed in MS Excel. As a result, a relatively high level of interest in e-banking among the residents of Konin county was indicated. More than 90% of respondents, primarily rural residents, use online banking. This is especially applicable to retail payments, as well as successive control of the household budget. E-banking’s usability is mostly determined by: time saving, a widespread availability of services and convenience. Despite the awareness of risks, the level of security of online banking inspires confidence among respondents. Therefore, social and legal responsibility of the banking sector for electronic transaction security is recommended. This is justified by the majority of respondent opinions that traditional banking will be eliminated in the future by e-commerce tools, including e-banking.

What Makes the Difference Is the Size and Proximity to the Centre: A Research Approach and Results of Territorial Cohesion Assessment at the Local Level

The aim of this paper is to assess the territorial cohesion of municipalities (gminas) in Poland using quantitative data and non-parametric modelling techniques. The full population of 2174 Polish municipalities divided into rural and urban-rural municipalities was examined. The time interval of the study, i.e., 2005–2017, allows us to capture the changes stimulated by the implementation of the cohesion policy, i.e., the programme of socio-economic transformation in Poland, implemented in the programming period 2007–2013. Using the DEA approach, a general decline in the cohesion index value over time was recorded in the period of analysis. The results of estimating autocorrelation measures indicate a progressive tendency to build spatial clusters, where the size of the local administrative unit (municipality), measured by the population potential and spatial location of the municipality significantly affect the cohesion level. It was also found that there are limits of positive influence of the EU income on the possibility of achieving a high level of cohesion, hampered by a limited resource of own funds. The research method in this paper has been empirically validated and can be applied to territorial cohesion studies in other EU countries.

The Role of the Financial Condition in the Development of Coastal Municipalities in Poland

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess and discuss the relationship between the financial situation and the level of socio-economic development of coastal rural and urban-rural municipalities in Poland. Approach/Methodology/Design: The diversity of coastal municipalities in Poland due to the level of socio-economic development and financial situation was examined using a synthetic indicator. The analysis was carried out on the basis of data from the Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office and from the Ministry of Finance and Regional Accounting Chambers. The time range covers 2004-2017. Findings: The analysis shows that there was a statistically significant and bilateral relationship between the financial situation and the socio-economic development in Polish coastal municipalities in the years 2004-2017. Moreover, the results of an extensive analysis of this relationship showed that despite the fact that a statistical relationship was found in the analyzed period, such a relationship was not proven for each class and each municipality. In the case of the study taking into account classes of different levels, a significant relationship did not occur in the extreme classes, but only in the average. Practical Implications: The conclusions refer to the assumptions of the regional and local policy. Originality/Value: The study concerns current issues of regional and local policy. The results can contribute to the analysis of creating development at the local level.

Liabilities of Local Government Units in Poland: Identification and Analysis of Diversification Factors

Purpose: The article aims to identify the factors that influence the levels of debt in Polish local governments. Specifically, we look at the structure of local units' revenue and expenditure and try to determine which of the characteristics have a significant impact on debt levels. Design/Methodology/Approach: We divide our analysis into three types of municipalities, urban, rural, and urban-rural municipalities. We find that each of this type of municipality has different determinants of debt level. Findings: This article provides a solid recommendation for researchers and policy makers to carefully derive conclusions from analyses made on the total population of local units, as their heterogeneity may significantly impact the research results. Therefore, policy recommendations and actions should not be homogeneous across all types of local governments. Practical Implications: The article identifies income factors of local budgets that are statistically significant and influence positively or negatively the size of the public debt of local government units. Practical aspect of the paper means that results can be used to manage local government units or assess their stability by external agencies. Originality/Value: The obtained results are in line with the previous research results and extend the knowledge in the stability and indebtedness of local government units. The study carried out allows to extend this knowledge and proves that the indebtedness of local government units is also affected by the structure of income of these units.

Public real estate resource – A burden or a source of income? A study of municipal land management in Poland

Real estate and land management tend to be highly complex sector and therefore challenging for local governments. An ineffective real estate management has been observed in many countries and more detailed analysis are needed especially in post-socialist countries. That is why the article raises the issue of effective management of public areas in Polish municipalities. The purposes of the study are: (i) to compare resource management methods in individual communes with the use of economic analysis, (ii) to determine whether the activities of municipalities regarding their resources are consistent with their directions of development and the priority of balancing the local budget, (iii) to identify possible disparities between real estate management in rural, urban and urban-rural municipalities and (iv) to create main guidelines for more effective and efficient resource use planning. This study has been conducted with the use of data from selected Polish municipalities identified as proper representatives of post-socialist local governments. Therefore, data relating to real estate management were selected from: (a) municipal budgets as well as from reports on their implementation (b) resource use plans that support real estate management on a local level (c) property reports. The study uses empirical methods such as: comparative analysis, qualitative analysis, case study analysis, ratio analysis and a reference to good governance principles. The study has shown that local government uses a limited number of instruments dedicated to real estate resource management and in their current form they seem to be of little use for effective management. That is why their content should be modified, also because there is potential to introduce universal indicators and efficiency measures.

The Importance of Local Investments Co-Financed by the European Union in the Field of Renewable Energy Sources in Rural Areas of Poland

Local investments for the development of renewable energy sources (RESs) constitute an important element of sustainable rural development. They are conducive to the social and economic development of the said areas, and improve the environmental values and living conditions of their inhabitants. However, such advancement in rural areas is not possible without adequate financial support, including the funds from the EU budget. Therefore, the main objective of the research is to assess the scale, scope and importance of local investments in renewable energy sources in rural areas of Poland in 2014–2020, cofinanced from EU funds. The study covered 1117 projects, whose beneficiaries were rural and urban–rural municipalities. Evaluation of the municipal investment activities in acquiring EU subsidies in the area of environmentally friendly energy was conducted using selected methods of descriptive statistics and the analysis of variance. Subsequently, with the use of logistic regression, the study identified the main socioeconomic, financial and environmental conditions of the investment activities of the local government entities in RES in rural areas. Empirical studies allowed for the positive verification of the research hypothesis, which assumed that “The highest investment activity in the field of local projects co-financed from EU funds, related to the development of RES in rural areas, may be attributed to municipalities performing primarily agricultural functions, located in Eastern Poland”. The municipalities’ own income potential and investment activity are of major importance for the acquisition of EU funds used in RES financing. Municipalities at a lower development level demonstrated a greater activity in accessing these funds. They view the development of RES as an opportunity for accelerated growth.

Współpraca gmin obwarzankowych na płaszczyźnie gospodarczej. Zarys problemu

There are “urban-rural municipalities” in Polish administration nomenclature. They are territorial units where urban and rural areas have one name and one local government. There are also urban and rural municipalities that have one name but different local governments. That neighborhood of municipalities in Polish may be described as “municipalities bagel”. The aim of this article was to investigate whether and to what extent the “municipalities bagel” cooperate (coordinate) the exercising public tasks on the economic level. The article attempts to verify the research hypothesis: in “municipalities bagel” there is a lack of coordination of the exercising public tasks”. The research method was a diagnostic survey in which the questionnaire was conducted. In December 2019, questionnaire forms were sent to all “municipalities bagel” in Poland. The results of the research indicated a lack of coordination in the performance of public tasks between “municipalities bagel”. The result is a reduction of the efficiency of performance of public duties in such municipalities. The “municipalities bagel” are functionally related areas. This link is characterized by the subordination of the interests of the rural municipality (especially economic). The development of bagel rural communes is determined by the development and cooperation with their urban counterparts.

Marketing communication with stakeholders at the minicipal offices in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship

Purpose: The main goal of this study is to present the essence and the importance of marketing 11 communication in the functioning of local governments. 12 Design/methodology/approach: The study incorporates the results of a study on various 13 aspects related to marketing management in the municipalities of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian 14 Voivodeship. As part of the study, specific marketing communication activities that were used 15 by local governments in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship over the past 5 years have been 16 identified. The subject of the assessment were consisted in those marketing communication 17 methods that are used by local governments, due to the specificity of the activities carried out 18 by municipalities. 19 Findings: The results of the study indicate that many local governments representing large 20 urban or urban-rural municipalities underestimate the importance of the activities that can be 21 undertaken in this regard. Vast majority of the local governments covered by the study only use 22 individual marketing communication tools, limiting themselves to advertising, public relations 23 or personal promotion activities. 24 Practical implications: The results of the study allowed identification of a different solutions, 25 which are characteristic for municipalities in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, that can 26 be used by other local governments in Poland. 27 Social implications: The paper indicates on many useful solutions, that are related to the 28 training of the officials in the methods and tools used for creation of proper relations with the 29 stakeholders. 30 Originality/value: This paper presents selected results of the study on various aspects 31 associated with marketing management in the municipalities of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian 32 Voivodeship. One of the research objectives was to identify and evaluate the marketing 33 communication activities that have been undertaken by the municipal offices in the Kuyavian34 Pomeranian Voivodship over the past 5 years.

PROPERTY TAX POLICY OF RURAL AND URBAN-RURAL MUNICIPALITIES IN POLAND

The article presents research on the local property tax policy of rural and urban-rural municipalities in Poland. Various methods were used to investigate the data interdependencies of mathematical statistics (Pearson’s correlation test, Spearman’s correlation test and Pearson’s independence test). For direct data and coefficients, Pearson’s classic correlation was used. With regard to the processed, dichotomic and enumerated data (including the contingency tables), Spearman’s rank correlation was used. The study showed that the tax policy of the analysed municipalities was differentiated and could, under certain conditions, give rise to a positive upward tendency of incomes generated in property tax – which should be seen as an original contribution of work from the authors of this article.