Municipal cooperation as a means of ensuring the development of domestic municipal policy

The study examines the theoretical and practical aspects of inter-municipal cooperation in Russia, assesses its role in achieving national sustainable development goals, and proposes ways to overcome existing obstacles. The object of the study is the interaction of municipal formations within a unified system of public authority, while the subject is the phenomenon of inter-municipal cooperation and its impact on the development of the local self-government system. The focus is on various forms of inter-municipal cooperation, such as the conclusion of bilateral and multilateral agreements, the creation of associations of municipal entities, the formation of agglomerations, as well as the implementation of joint infrastructure projects and programs. Thus, the subject of the study comprehensively addresses issues of theoretical understanding of inter-municipal cooperation, its legal regulation, political components, and practical ways of its improvement, ensuring a deep and thorough assessment of the studied phenomena and processes. The methodological basis of the research is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, including the study of regulatory documents, monitoring the practices of interaction between municipal entities, analysis of empirical data obtained through expert surveys, and synthesis of research results by domestic experts. The study conducted a comprehensive comparison of theoretical developments and practical realities of inter-municipal cooperation in Russia, identifying factors that negatively influence its development. Practical recommendations were developed to improve state municipal policy. The research into inter-municipal cooperation in Russia revealed its high relevance as a crucial resource for overcoming territorial disparities and enhancing management efficiency at the local level. At the same time, significant barriers were identified that hinder full-fledged inter-municipal cooperation development, including the insufficiency of the regulatory framework, the weakness of institutional coordination mechanisms, limited financial resources, and a shortage of trained management personnel. The findings of the study demonstrate the need for the development and implementation of a comprehensive package of measures, including detailing the procedure for concluding agreements and the status of inter-municipal cooperation associations, organizing methodological support and training for personnel, enhancing the financial sustainability of cooperation, as well as activating the activities of associations of municipal entities and supporting pilot inter-municipal programs in regions. Inter-municipal cooperation emerges as a necessary condition for improving the efficiency of territorial management, reducing regional disparities, and ensuring sustainable development in the Russian Federation.

local government, inter-municipal cooperation, inter-municipal associations, the system of public power, public authority, domestic policy, local management practices, municipal policy, municipal government, public policy