Recent paradox… The Vilnius city municipality is drafting a strategic plan, while the strategic planning department in this state institution was closed quite a while ago. One is then forced to raise a question like who is going to implement that plan and who would be supervising the very process.
While currently planning the development of the capital, one is following the strategic plan of Vilnius city for the years 2002-2011.

The Director of the Lithuanian Real Estate Development Association Dalia Bardauskienė was among the authors and supervisors of the Vilnius city strategic plan 2002-2011. At that time she held the position of the Deputy Mayor on Strategic Planning issues. Now the expert could not answer the question whether the strategic plan she prepared with her colleagues was followed after the change in the Vilnius city authorities.

“After the change of the power, the approach towards the strategic plan and towards its systematic implementation also changed, although such documents should not be put aside. New leaders of the city must have decided that since they were not involved in this planning, they cannot take the responsibility and are free not to continue the intended works. Moreover, politicians give preference to short-term decisions because they are elected for a four year term,” said Dalia Bardauskienė.

Vilnius city strategic plan 2002-2011 was recognised as one of the best examples in Europe. At the European Skills Symposium in Bristol in 2006, Vilnius city strategic plan was presented as an example of good practice in city management. Unfortunately, due to the lack of financial resources it remained unrealised.