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Nikolay Timchenko, CEO of the Agency for strategic development "CENTER", moderated the panel discussion Master Planning: A Comprehensive Strategic Development Tool. The session took place at the 2nd Perm Development Forum Cities of the Future on August 20, 2026.

The central question was how to transform a master plan from an attractive vision into an effective tool for managing territorial development. The experts discussed how a city’s long-term strategy can be linked to specific decisions in construction, the economy and infrastructure.

The issue is particularly relevant as master plans are to be developed for 200 Russian cities and urban agglomerations. They will become one of the principal tools for strategic planning and integrated territorial development.

It was fitting that the discussion took place in Perm, one of the first Russian cities where a master plan became the foundation for long-term development. Its principles continue to shape development across the city, including balanced densification, the preservation of natural assets and the development of the existing urban structure.

The participants examined several practical approaches. A DOM.RF representative shared the organisation’s experience of preparing more than 50 master plans for cities and urban agglomerations.

A separate part of the discussion focused on integrated territorial development. The experts considered how a master plan can help preserve the identity of a place, align the interests of the city, investors and residents, and support the transition to detailed planning, approvals and construction.

The discussion brought together Maria Sinichich, Director of the Department for Integrated Territorial Development at the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation; Andrey Simonov, Lead Analyst in the Project Department at the DOM.RF Foundation; Alexey Rakitsky, Minister of Architecture and Urban Planning of the Sakhalin Region; and Elena Ermolina, Chief Architect of the Perm Territory.

The discussion demonstrated that the effectiveness of a master plan depends on more than the quality of its underlying concept. It must be based on up-to-date data, respond to changes in the economy and residents’ needs and, most importantly, be linked to specific projects and implementation mechanisms.

The 2nd Perm Development Forum Cities of the Future brought together more than 3,000 participants from 65 Russian regions and around 200 experts.

Photo: Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation "Smart City Competence Centre"