The Potential of Civic Engagement for City Co-governance: An Analysis of Residents’ Opinions in Salekhard and Nadym
( Pp. 80-94)

Russian Arctic cities face challenges stemming from natural conditions, infrastructural constraints, and dependence on corporate and federal decision-making. Geopolitical threats to the sustainable development of the Russian Arctic are intensifying. In such an environment, civic engagement serves as a strategic resource for resilience and stability. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of civic engagement and readiness for urban co-management among Arctic residents, as well as to determine how the perception of participation opportunities influences their attitudes toward the city’s future and migration intentions. The article presents the results of an empirical study involving 280 residents of Salekhard and Nadym, aimed at identifying patterns of civic activity and its links to future outlooks and migration plans. The study highlights areas where existing civic activity is concentrated, its development potential, primary barriers, and key reserves for increasing the involvement of various resident categories in urban environment development. It was established that a sense of personal influence on the urban environment correlates positively with optimism about the future and negatively with the intention to leave the city. Based on the findings, management recommendations are proposed for transitioning from a formal “smart city” to a “responsive city” model.

Lyovkina, A.O., Detter, G.F. (2026). The potential of civic engagement for city co-governance: An analysis of residents’ opinions in Salekhard and Nadym. Sociopolitical Sciences, 16(1), 80–94. DOI: 10.33693/2223-0092-2026-16-1-80-94. EDN: LPHZTB

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Arctic zone, Yamal, Arctic cities, civic activism, participative management, sustainable development.