dzielnica

Dzielnica is a territorial unit used in Poland to designate a subdivision of a city. It is not a separate gmina, but a part of a city, usually those with the status of a city with county rights (miasto na prawach powiatu) or large urban centers. The exact competences and structure vary by city, but most dzielnice have elected bodies: rada dzielnicy (district council) consisting of representatives chosen by residents, and a zarząd dzielnicy (district board) or district administrator who implements decisions. The district authorities deal with local issues such as street maintenance, lighting, waste collection, zoning consultations, cultural and sport facilities, and neighborhood safety.

Dzielnica serves as a level of community representation and administrative coordination between residents and the city government. It enables residents to influence urban planning, budgets, and public services at a local level, within the framework of the city’s overall administration. Unlike gminas, dzielnice do not possess full self-government; their powers come from the city authorities.

The term dzielnica has historical roots in medieval and early modern urban organization and remains widespread in large Polish cities. In everyday usage, dzielnica often corresponds to what in English might be called a district or neighborhood, though the exact borders and status depend on the city. Larger cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Łódź maintain formal dzielnice with their own local representation.