Development of small towns in Russia: problems and solutions

Abstract

Most of the small towns of Russia, which form the basis of rural areas of the country. is in a state of depression and depopulation all post-Soviet period. The reason for this is a set of problems, first of all the imperfection of federal legislation regulating the functioning of local self-government bodies. Its external consequences is a chronic shortage of financial resources for the development of small towns and surrounding rural areas, as well as a low professional level of management in local authorities. The analysis carried out in the work shows that there are a number of reserves for increasing the effectiveness of local  self-government, which can increase the financial security of local  communities, and weaken the effect  of depressive factors, and in some cases, perhaps, provide conditions for infrastructure development. even in the existing conditions.