“Not in the Back of Beyond, but Under Abraham’s Bosom”: Housing and Communal Infrastructure in Urban-Type Settlements of Buryatia

This article addresses the issue of developing housing and communal infrastructure in urban-type settlements of the Republic of Buryatia. The study is based on the results of a series of interviews with local residents and administrations of the settlements of Onokhoi and Selenginsk, revealing problems with housing availability, utility services, and territorial improvement. Fieldwork was conducted in February 2025. The authors examine the experience of overcoming difficulties caused by insufficient resources and, at times, the remoteness of the settlements, demonstrating concrete steps taken by authorities and initiatives by residents themselves to improve living conditions. Key findings underscore the importance of interaction between authorities and the population, the significance of targeted support measures, and the need to raise public awareness about rights and opportunities for improving living conditions. The article calls for attention to be paid to such settlements, demonstrating that even in remote corners of the region, it is possible to create a comfortable living environment. This study contributes to the understanding of challenges facing such settlements and highlights opportunities for improvement.