Municipal spatial strategic planning: features and key challenges

The relevance of the research is due to the need to solve scientifi c and practical problems associated with the substantiation of extending the vector of strategic spatial development to the level of municipalities. This is especially important on the threshold of the new municipal reform, which will begin with the adoption of a new federal law on local self-government in 2022. The purpose of the work is to analyze and evaluate the features, specifics and experience of strategizing the spatial development of municipalities in Russia, the definition of objectives (prospects) for further development of this management activity. To achieve this goal, we used methods of economic, statistical, comparative, system analysis and generalization. The article focuses on the fact that the Strategy for the spatial development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025, despite the problematic nature of its content and implementation has important institutional results. It consolidated the role of spatial strategizing as an independent, signifi cant vector of strategic planning in the country. Although not consistent enough, it outlined methodological approaches to the distinction between spatial and territorial planning and management tasks; it outlined the main ways of harmonizing the functions of sectoral and spatial strategizing. We have proved that the current version of the Strategy leaves out the issues of federalization of spatial development strategizing, i.e. determining the place and role of the sub-federal level of government in this process: neither the Strategy nor Federal Law 172 on strategic planning indicates the possibility and feasibility of elaborating and implementing spatial development strategies at regional and municipal levels; but in fact this practice of strategizing, including at the municipal level of government, is being embodied. We presented positive examples of municipal spatial strategizing, noted its problems and further prospects. Materials of the article can be used by federal, regional and local authorities in the sphere of spatial development management, as well as serve as the basis for further scientifi c research on this topic.