News about “city decisions” often sounds as if a single institution makes them. In fact, two different bodies operate in the capital: the Kyiv City Council and the Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA). Here is how they differ.
The Kyiv City Council
The Kyiv City Council is a representative body. Kyivans elect it, and its deputies take the city’s key decisions: they approve the city budget and development programmes, set local taxes and fees, and decide on municipal property. Decisions are adopted by vote at plenary sessions.
The KMDA
The KMDA is an executive body. It carries out the Council’s decisions, prepares draft documents and runs the city’s services day to day: transport, utilities, education and healthcare. The head of the KMDA is appointed by the President of Ukraine, whereas the mayor is elected by Kyivans.
Who is responsible for what: examples
- Budget. The draft is prepared by the executive branch and approved by the City Council.
- Transport and utility tariffs. Draft decisions are prepared by the KMDA; the final decisions depend on the procedure set for each tariff.
- City orders. Issued by the KMDA within its powers.
How Kyivans can influence decisions
- Appeals. Any Kyivan can write to the KMDA or to a deputy. The body must consider the appeal and respond within the deadlines set by law.
- Electronic petitions. They can be submitted and signed on the city portal. If a petition gets the required number of signatures, the city authorities consider it.
- Public hearings and consultations. Drafts of the most important documents are put out for public discussion.
- Participatory budget. Kyivans propose projects and vote for them, and the city funds them from specially allocated money.
- Deputies’ personal reception hours. Schedules are published on the City Council website.
The exact rules, deadlines and signature thresholds change, so check them on the official city portal before submitting an appeal or petition.
