Russia launches 2025 volunteer drive for urban improvement votes
Russia has begun recruiting volunteers for its 2025 nationwide vote on urban improvement projects. The initiative, part of the federal Comfortable Urban Environment programme, lets residents choose which local spaces to renovate. Anyone aged 14 or older can sign up to help through the Dobro.rf platform.
The annual vote will take place from 21 April to 12 June. It covers municipalities with populations above 20,000, as well as key regional hubs. Previous years saw over 68 million votes cast, with residents selecting parks, squares, boulevards, playgrounds, and waterfronts for upgrades.
Over 500,000 volunteers have already assisted in past votes. Their role includes explaining design proposals and guiding locals through the voting process. This year, they will set up information points in public spaces to simplify participation.
The programme aims to make cities more attractive for residents, tourists, and investors. By involving communities in decision-making, officials hope to improve urban living standards across the country.
The 2025 vote will again rely on volunteers to engage residents and ensure smooth participation. With a simplified process and widespread outreach, the initiative continues to expand its impact. Successful projects from previous years have already transformed public spaces in hundreds of districts.
