Alexei Teksler presented the development strategy of the Chelyabinsk region

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At the National Centre RUSSIA, Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexei Teksler took part in the series "Platform of the Future: Region-2030. 100 Steps". The head of the region presented a comprehensive development strategy for the South Urals and outlined nine key areas that form the basis of the region’s long-term transformation programme.

"In general, our goal is to make the region one of absolute opportunity for all residents of the Chelyabinsk region, for people of all ages. When we talk about development, we proceed from the idea that people living in the region should see and build their future here. That is why one of our main tasks is to make our region a 'capital' — not in terms of function, but in terms of quality of life, comfort, and opportunities for all our citizens," explained Alexei Teksler.

Nine Priorities for Regional Development

In his speech, Alexei Teksler emphasised that the key focus remains on people — their well-being and opportunities for self-realisation. Presenting the strategy, he identified nine priority areas that cover all spheres of life:

— Everything for Victory;

— Happy Families;

— Development and a Harmonious Life for Every Person;

— Work, Demand, and Self-Realisation;

— Accelerated Technological Development;

— Developed Agriculture and Strong Village;

— Infrastructure for Quality of Life;

— Nature Conservation and Ecology;

— A New Image for Cities.

All these areas, Alexei Teksler stressed, are aligned with the national development goals of the Russian Federation.

Support for Special Military Operation Participants

Alexei Teksler paid special attention to supporting participants of the special military operation. He noted that the Chelyabinsk region has historically played a vital role in the country’s defence, reminding that four cities in the region have been awarded the title "City of Labour Valour". The region is implementing projects to honour the memory of heroes, installing monuments to special military operation participants, and creating rehabilitation and adaptive sports centres. Particular attention is paid to social and medical support for servicemen and their families, including through a one-stop assistance system.

The Governor also spoke about restoring infrastructure facilities and churches in the Donetsk People’s Republic, emphasising that providing assistance to Russia’s new regions is an important part of the region’s work.

Support for Families and Youth

The Governor of the Chelyabinsk region raised the issue of supporting families and improving demographics. The region is implementing large-scale measures to support families with children: "It is very important to create the right conditions. At a meeting with young people, I told them that we have launched the 'Student Maternity Capital' programme. When a child is born, the family receives over one million roubles, which can be used to rent housing or pay for tuition at a fee-based university. Both in the country and in our region, there are numerous support measures for families. That’s why I encouraged young people not to delay having children. I think they took my words seriously."

According to Alexei Teksler, the number of families with two or more children is increasing in the region.

"We will continue to support our families. Those who decide to have many children already receive our assistance — and we will definitely keep supporting them in the future. It is no coincidence that the number of large families, and families with more than three children in general, is growing in our region. I always tell young people: you just have to start — and everything will be fine," said Alexei Teksler.

Healthcare

Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexei Teksler spoke about the large-scale modernisation of the regional healthcare system. According to him, over the past five years, more than 300 facilities have been completed — new clinics and district hospitals have been built or renovated, 120 feldsher-obstetric stations have been upgraded, and more than a thousand units of modern medical equipment have been purchased. The region has submitted proposals to extend the current programme, and, as the Governor noted, the goal is to completely renew the infrastructure of primary healthcare by 2030, including building new facilities where renovation is not possible.

In addition, the Chelyabinsk region is actively developing high-tech medicine. In Chelyabinsk, a modern paediatric surgery centre is being built, which will become one of the best in the country, while in Magnitogorsk a new multidisciplinary hospital is under construction to replace outdated facilities built in the mid-20th century. The decision to build it was supported by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

Education

"The most important investment is the investment in education. Yes, it produces results later, but it forms the foundation for the region’s successful future development. We have done a lot in this area: over the past five years, we have built 63 new kindergartens, this year we will open five more, and have constructed 20 schools, with several more to be completed by the end of the year. We have big plans for the future," emphasised Alexei Teksler.

According to the Governor, the construction of these facilities is essential to improve the quality of education. New institutions are appearing not only in developing districts but also in areas where older buildings need replacement.

"In Chelyabinsk, we will implement an advanced school project — a separate initiative. It will be like a campus, but in the field of general education. However, our main project is the university campus. In fact, I always say that it is a new university. It includes dormitories for 3,500 students and a modern research and educational environment for 5,000 people, who will be able to study and work in laboratories. It will become a major centre of attraction," he added.

Culture, Sports and a Comfortable Environment

Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexei Teksler noted that the development of sports, culture, and the creative environment is an important part of shaping the region’s identity. He said that Chelyabinsk is actively competing for the title of Cultural Capital of Russia in 2027, and unique projects with no analogues in the country are being implemented in the region.

"We are developing sports, culture, and creative life. One striking example is the Children’s Philharmonic, which brings together children’s versions of the region’s leading philharmonic ensembles. Early next year, the Philharmonic’s second building will open, where the children’s symphony and jazz orchestras, as well as the Ural Dance Ensemble with its own studio, will perform," said the Governor.

According to Alexei Teksler, such initiatives help support talented children and create opportunities for their creative growth. At the same time, the region’s sports infrastructure continues to develop actively. In recent years, more than 100 major facilities have been built, including a football and athletics arena in Chelyabinsk, the multifunctional MK Arena, and a new biathlon centre in Zlatoust.

Transport Infrastructure

Alexei Teksler noted that transport and roads remain among the main issues raised by residents: "We have done a lot in road construction, but there are still many questions, especially in rural areas."

At the same time, in major cities, the situation has significantly improved in recent years, and the region continues to hold leading positions in the quality of its road network.

The Governor also noted major changes in urban public transport across the Chelyabinsk region. Starting from 1 November, new trolleybus routes will operate in Chelyabinsk — modern vehicles with autonomous power will reach remote districts. The renewal of tram and trolleybus fleets continues, and a new depot has been built.

The head of the region gave special attention to the construction of the metro-tram — the largest infrastructure project in the Chelyabinsk region: "This is a project of the future. We are combining the metro and tram systems — using three-section carriages for this purpose. We plan to launch the first north–south line in 2027."

According to him, the metro-tram will become the foundation of Chelyabinsk’s transport development for decades ahead: "We are thinking about the future of our metropolis and creating the infrastructure without which progress would be impossible. This is our model of the future."

Rural Development and the Agro-Industrial Complex

The region, traditionally known as an industrial and innovation centre, also holds leading positions in the agro-industrial sector, emphasised Alexei Teksler. According to him, products made by Chelyabinsk companies are well known not only across Russia but also abroad.

He also announced the implementation of a regional project in poultry genetics — "Smena-9", aimed at developing a domestic chicken crossbreed that will allow Russia to eliminate dependence on imported genetics in poultry farming. Alexei Teksler added that the Chelyabinsk region ranks among the top three Russian regions in egg production and holds one of the leading positions in meat production, including poultry.