Novgorod, also known as “Novgorod the Great,” is a city rich in history, pride, and human potential. The citizens have elected talented and energetic leaders who recognize the value of inclusive decision making, responsive programs, and efficient administration of the local government. Situated mid-way between Moscow and St. Petersburg, Novgorod is ideally located to capture investment opportunities that support the markets of the large metropolitan areas.
Hartford, Connecticut, and Novgorod, Russia are similar in several ways. Like Hartford, Novgorod has a historically rich commercial and industrial economic base. Hartford citizens have also endured serious economic transitions due to declining industries, similar to those occurring in Novgorod. Hartford’s officials had the foresight to develop economic development programs and financial management systems that moved the city forward during economic crises, which made Hartford an attractive partner for the Novgorod officials and was the primary reason for Hartford’s selection as a Resource Cities Participant.
Based on an initial needs assessment of Novgorod in the fall of 1997, it was determined that developing a citizen-friendly, transparent budget document and other financial statements was the top priority for this partnership. These documents would later become the foundation for improving Novgorod’s economic development programs, allowing the city to use scarce resources more strategically.
While the primary focus of the partnership is the improvement of the administrative systems and programs that support increased private investment, the partnership has also been instrumental in developing more open and transparent governing systems. From city hall to city schools, citizens of all ages are learning more about the governing process of Novgorod. Hartford’s city charter is being used as a model for the Novgorod city charter, which incorporates specific language that opens the budget process to allow for more staff and citizen input into the final budget. To further support open government, Novgorod is offering a civic education program in local elementary schools to help children understand how local government is managed. Additionally, neighborhood groups have been given the opportunity to determine what must be done to improve the economic and physical conditions of their respective city zones.
As Novgorod officials determine how to best allocate the city’s financial resources, increased citizen involvement will be instrumental to its economic revitalization. This partnership demonstrates that transparent financial information not only holds local government officials accountable, but also it can also serve as a tool for encouraging a stronger sense of community while facilitating social and economic change.