The discussion participants emphasized that the quality of the urban environment in the Arctic is directly linked to the achievement of strategic state objectives. Modern housing, social infrastructure, public spaces, transportation accessibility, and services are becoming essential for population retention, talent attraction, and the implementation of investment projects.
Alexey Chekunkov, Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, noted that there is every opportunity for the Arctic economy to not only pay for itself, but also generate profits.
"More than half of the planned funds are not expenses, but investments. Of the 2.9 trillion rubles allocated for the implementation of master plans, 1.7 trillion rubles are extra-budgetary investments. People will earn more, their purchasing power and standard of living will increase, and new housing and social infrastructure will be built. Therefore, master plans for key communities also serve as a business plan for Arctic development, with a significant social component. We are building campuses, sports facilities, upgrading medical facilities—moving forward in the priority areas identified by the people themselves," he emphasized.