Tinatin Kolbaia: Georgia's urban planning system based on German model

Georgia"s urban and spatial planning system is built on the principles of public participation and is largely based on the German urban planning model, First Deputy Head of Georgia's Spatial and Urban Development Agency Tinatin Kolbaia said during a discussion at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

According to Kolbaia, the agency she represents was established as an independent institution in 2022.

She noted that one of the agency's key responsibilities is the development of a national spatial plan, as well as supporting municipalities in preparing urban and spatial development plans.

"We also review plans prepared by municipalities, which allows us to cover a significant portion of the country's urban and spatial planning processes," Kolbaia said.

She added that Georgia"s modern spatial planning system was formed following the adoption of the Spatial Planning Code in 2019.

"Our system closely resembles the German planning model and provides for a clear hierarchy of plans," she stressed.

Kolbaia also pointed out that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia had virtually no experience in modern urban planning, as many specialized institutions had been dismantled.

"Today, we are already working on 12 plans, while around 40 plans have been approved by various municipalities," she said.

The agency representative also emphasized the importance of public participation in the planning process.

"We are very proud to ensure public involvement from the earliest stages. All phases of plan preparation go through public discussions and hearings," Kolbaia stated.