What was the problem?
During the Soviet period (1940 – 1990) there was no law on planning regulation, only norms and rules which did not have the power of law. Planning was centralised and local authorities were only responsible for an approval of the plans before final confirmation. This means that organisational structures for the development of strategic plans at the local level are still at an embryonic stage of development.
Post-independence, a new socio-economic and political environment emerged in Lithuania, alongside the need for new planning methods, instruments and skills. Spatial planning became regulated by three major laws, including the Law on Territorial Planning (1996) which stressed public participation in the decision-making process. Municipalities were made responsible for the planning and development of their own territories. However, long-term strategic development plans were not made mandatory, although most municipalities do have them in place.
The most important urban problems identified in Lithuania by the late 1990s were run-down housing stock, low quality of public buildings and estates combined with high energy costs, poor road maintenance, traffic congestion within the city and notable crime.
Although urban planning had successfully adapted to the new planning system, it was not sufficiently integrated with the country's social and economic structures. The ability to lever in resources and prioritise were limited and the growing economy was in need of more targeted investment planning.
Topics associated with this project
Economy, Governance, International, Local government, Transport