Key words: municipal, development strategy, local self-government, Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

The main goal of the persent study is to outline the optimal strategy of the municipal development with the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Terminology associated with development strategy is summarized and legal framework of municipal authorities is outlined. Brief description of the municipal Grybów is provided. Using the AHP method, theoretical model reflecting the municipal development strategy is constructed. The chapter also briefly explains the key issues associated with the AHP method developed by Saaty. Numerical priorities for main criteria and subcriteria with respect to the main goal: improvement of welfare and living conditions of the municipal residents, are derived based on the interviews with the relevant experts. The key objectives to be fulfilled by local authories, private organizations, citizens and economic entities should be as follows: entrepreneurship development and creating new jobs, health protection and social assistance, infrastructure development and improvement of educational system. Specific objectives are presented in form of 3 models of development strategy of the municipal. The highest priority weight (0.423) is in case of the model which suggests paying attention to the following elements of the municipal development strategy: organization of small and medium entrepreneurship, handicraft production, construction and handicraft services, technical infrastructure, increased level of education of young people through modernization of high school education. The main source of the municipal development is better use of human, material, environmental and cultural resources. The AHP method may successfully solve the problems not only in delineating the optimal development strategy of the municipal, but also many other economic, managerial, organizational and social ones.

INTRODUCTION

Decentralization of public activities in the late 90s resulted in transfer of responsibility for their realization onto self-governments (The Municipal Self-Government Act. The Official Law Journal 142, item 1591 of 8.03.1990 with amendments, version of The Official Law Journal 214, item 1806 of 1.01.2003). The municipal self governments have been obliged, in particular, to fulfill the needs of local communities. However, transfer of responsibilities is not always coupled with transfer of the finances for realization of tasks and investments.