gromadzes

A gromada is a basic unit of local self-government in Ukraine. The term derives from the Old East Slavic word "gromada," meaning "community" or "gathering." Modern gromadas were established as part of Ukraine's decentralization reform, which began in 2014. These units consolidate smaller villages, towns, and sometimes cities into a single administrative and financial entity. The primary purpose of forming gromadas is to empower local communities by granting them greater autonomy and resources to manage their own affairs, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services.

Each gromada is governed by a council and headed by a village, town, or city mayor. The council is elected by the residents of the consolidated territory. Gromadas receive a significant portion of their funding from central government transfers, particularly tax revenues like income tax and property tax, which are then retained at the local level. This financial independence is a key feature of the decentralization process. The reform aims to improve the quality of public services, foster local economic development, and increase citizen participation in governance by making local authorities more responsive to community needs. The ongoing process involves the voluntary or compulsory amalgamation of smaller administrative units into larger, more viable gromadas.