Two officials from Yakutia were honored with diplomas from the "Mayor's School" program.
From June 2nd to 5th, 2025, the Senezh Management Masterclass--a prestigious leadership development program under the "Russia - Country of Opportunities" presidential platform--hosted the sixth and final in-person module of the "School of Mayors" for its third and fourth cohorts.
In this program, Dmitry Tikhonov, head of the Megino-Kangalassky District, and Ayatolina Vasilyeva, head of the 1st Malzhagar Nasleg of the Hangalassky District, were presented with their diplomas. The "School of Mayors" welcomed 160 students (ranging from 26 to 60 years old) from 82 regions for this educative journey.
Throughout the program, students were given hands-on experiences through practical field trips to 10 regions across Russia, including Yakutia, Arkhangelsk, Irkutsk, Kaluga, Novgorod, Samara, and Moscow Oblasts, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, Chechen Republic, and Moscow. These trips provided participants an opportunity to learn about the best regional practices and implement them in their respective municipalities.
"In the fast-paced, digitally driven world confronting new challenges, municipal leaders are eager to expand their skill set, discover innovative solutions, and cultivate political leadership abilities. Through the 'Municipal Dialogue,' we can gauge the impact of our educational projects like the 'School of Mayors,' which serves as a stepping stone for many successful leaders. This invaluable resource nurtures competent municipal administrators who dedicate themselves to improving their hometowns and ensuring a high quality of life within their communities," shared Irina Guseva, co-chair of the Association of Russian Municipalities and a member of the presidential council for local government development.
This program sprung from the municipal community's request to the president of the country, subsequently leading to its inception. According to Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Internal Policy, Yevgeny Grachev, "The training provided by the 'Mayors' School' equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage their newfound insights and successfully implement innovative practices in the municipalities they represent."
Aitalina Vasilyeva, one of the graduates, reveals that their diploma project, "Improving Municipal Control of Dog Off-leash Regulation in the Village of Bylgyunnyakh, Hangalassky District," received the highest score and will be further developed.
Dmitry Tikhonov, head of the Megino-Kangalassky District, shares that the "Mayors' School" provided him with invaluable knowledge, international experience, and a network of reliable colleagues across Russia who are similarly dedicated to the prosperity of their country.
The program was initiated following the instruction of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is delivered by the Higher School of Governance of the Presidential Academy, with the support of the Presidential Administration of Russia and the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government (VARMUS). The "School of Mayors" encompasses public policy and governance, strategic planning, community engagement, and economic development to empower municipal leaders with the essential tools necessary for driving meaningful change within their communities.
In the context of the fast-paced world, education and self-development programs like the "School of Mayors" provide a platform for municipal leaders to expand their skillset, explore innovative solutions, and enhance their political leadership abilities. This program, supported by the Presidential Administration of Russia and VARMUS, also offers opportunities to learn from best regional practices and collaborate with other dedicated municipal administrators across the country.
The program's outcomes reflect its significance, as demonstrated by Aitalina Vasilyeva's diploma project, "Improving Municipal Control of Dog Off-leash Regulation in the Village of Bylgyunnyakh, Hangalassky District," which received the highest score. This highlights the potential impact of such programs on general news and community development.
