Territorial Public Self-government (TPGS) as a form of local self-organization of the population

Abstract

Currently, significant attention is being devoted at various levels of government to the development of civil society, with support directed toward projects initiated by non-profit organizations (NPOs), local communities, and territorial public self-government bodies (TPSGs). A key requirement for these projects is the direct involvement of citizens in the pro­cesses of discussion, decision-making, and project implementation. This article analyzes the historical development of TPSGs in Russia, noting a renewed interest in this form of organi­zation following 2015, reflected particularly in the active emergence of new TPSGs. The study compares TPSGs as a form of local self-organization with other formats, including NPOs. The authors conclude that, while there are several differences between TPSGs and NPOs, the primary distinction lies in their foundational principles: NPOs are formed around a common goal (tasks or problems to be addressed), whereas TPSGs are based on territorial affiliation. Empirical findings indicate that in the Kaliningrad region, a modern wave of TPSG formation began in 2017, with the number of TPSGs increasing from 3 to 56 between 2020 and 2024. At present, there is a high density of TPSGs (number per 10,000 inhabitants) in rural and peripheral municipalities. Furthermore, for most peripheral municipalities in the Kaliningrad region, a high level of TPSG presence correlates strongly with a significant number of socially oriented non-profit organizations (SONPOs).