CITY STATUS – A CHANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT OR A REASON OF STAGNATION?

Abstract

The article deals with structural and functional changes within the socio-economic system of West Pomeranian towns, which in the last decade were granted city rights. In-depth analysis were made for Tychowo, Gościno and Stepnica, that became officially towns – in 2010, 2011 and 2014 respectively. In spite of a different location in the voivodeship and various specifics, they all have some features in common – such as number of inhabitants or a marginal importance in structure of region. The purpose of research was to find out whether the town privileges cause the real socio-economic development, or mainly, for example, a higher prestige. The statistical data included in the article come from polish Central Statistical Office
and together with official sources and local newspapers, were examined and verified during the studies. The comparative analysis has been enriched by the K. Doi method to define dominating elements in the structure of local economy and the Florence indicator for local specialization.

Despite some changes and investments made, the altered status did not contribute to the significant development of the towns. Improvement of road infrastructure or new sport and recreation centres were planned implementation of own and european funds. Direct effects included only new supermarkets, in Gościno – ring road and petrol station, whereas in
Tychowo the investment zone has been established. Compilation of the number of economic entities according to sections of the Polish Classification of Activities (PKD 2007) and the labour market conditions, did not confirm significant trends. Only in one of the towns during the transformation of status, number of economic entities, mainly in the tertiary sector – retail to be precise, declined sharply. Extensive analysis and results of research have also enabled to form theoretical conclusions and postulates for practical applications.