CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

◯ Research Background and Objectives

- The year 2024 marks the end of the first half of the 8th popularly elected administration in Chungcheongbuk-do. It is necessary to evaluate residents’ awareness and satisfaction with the administration’s policies to guide the development of policies in the second half.

- This study aims to investigate residents’ perceptions of the key policies of the 8th administration in Chungcheongbuk-do and provide foundational data for setting policy directions for the latter half.

- From September to December 2024, a survey was conducted via ARS phone calls targeting 4,009 residents aged 18 and older across Chungcheongbuk-do.

◯ Key Findings

- Interest and Evaluation of Governance: 76.9% of residents expressed interest in the administration's operations. Positive evaluations stood at 36.8%, while negative evaluations were 52.6%.

- Reasons for Positive Evaluations: Efforts to address pending issues and longstanding demands (33.1%) and efforts to improve quality of life (28.4%) were cited as primary reasons.

- Reasons for Negative Evaluations: The most common reasons were - non-transparent administrative processes (36.2%) and lack of communication (21.4%).

- (Key Policy Achievements) The confirmation of the Cheongju city center route for the Chungcheong regional railroad received the highest evaluation.

- Other significant achievements included the implementation of the deferred payment medical expense program · urban farmers program and the enactment of the Special Act for Supporting the Central Inland Region.

- (Solutions for Low Birth Rates) Childcare and caregiving support were identified as the most critical tasks, with marriage support and assistance for multi-child families also considered important alternatives.

- (Policy Awareness) Awareness of the “Urban Farmers Program” was 73.5%, while the “Video Autobiography Project” was recognized by 52.5% of respondents.

- (Primary Sources of Policy Information) Broadcasting media such as TV and radio were the most frequently cited sources (38.4%), followed by social media (13.9%) and the provincial government’s website and internet searches (12.3%).

◯ Implications

- It is necessary to prioritize the promotion of lifestyle-related policies to enhance residents’ interest in governance and to publicize policy achievements through diverse channels.

- Efforts should focus on strengthening transparency in policy implementation and activating communication channels.

◯ Policy Directions for the Second Half

- Strengthening and Linking Key Policies:

  · Policies with high awareness and positive evaluations should be prioritized for further development.

- Develop tailored promotion strategies that reflect the characteristics of - various demographic and regional groups.

- Strengthen transparency in the policy implementation process to build trust and engagement.