Foto: BB.LV / Рига
## The Goal — To Live Richer Than in the EU In the foreseeable future, the Latvian capital may incorporate villages that are sprouting in the surrounding areas like mushrooms after rain. Predictions regarding the growth of the agglomeration were voiced at the "Riga-2050" conference by Guntars Ruskuls, head of the Strategic Management Department of the Urban Development Department. Although he is an advocate of the "compact city," he has come to terms with the trend of expansion. Andris Natrinš, the associate dean of the Business School of the University of Latvia, reminded that Riga produces 52.6% of Latvia's GDP, although only a third of the population lives there. The gross product per capita in the capital is 1.5 times higher than the national average. Among the "unique values" of Riga, the scholar mentioned the largest airport in the region (although it is located outside the city), as well as architectural ensembles included in UNESCO lists and scientific potential. The target scenario for all of Latvia by 2050, according to A. Natrinš, is a population of 1.77 million people and a GDP at 106% of the EU average. Revitalization of Riga could bring its population back above the 600,000 mark, while a stagnation scenario would lead to a decrease in population to 544,000. A new business center, according to the expert, will form around Skantes Street. The "scientific mile" around educational and research institutions in Kipsala and Tornakalns could potentially provide jobs for tens of thousands of people. The Latgale suburb with its wooden buildings could turn into a tourist cluster, while such "sleeping" areas as Kengarags will be improved and become more comfortable for living. ## Riga's Bourgeoisie Are Not Liked Edgars Bergholcs, head of the Riga City Council Development Committee, representing the Prime Minister's "United List," noted that it is incorrect to link municipal revenues to population size. In this case, municipalities are not interested in developing businesses, as they expect to receive funds from the financial equalization fund. — Riga pays 150 million euros into it! — the deputy reminded, noting that there is still a negative attitude towards the "Riga bourgeoisie" in the country. By the way, E. Bergholcs noted, Jurmala was part of Riga until 1959. — Why don’t we go in the opposite direction? — the politician asked. Of course, local elites will not want to lose power and money. Inese Sirma, acting director of the Urban Development Department, believes that the capital needs to focus on clear goals and ways to achieve them. In housing construction, it is necessary to rely on public-private partnerships. — Without the overall development of the metropolitan agglomeration, it is impossible to proceed, — emphasized the official. Andris Natrinš cited the bypass roads around Riga as an example of such development. Quality housing and a comfortable urban environment will attract families with children to the city. He also raised the topic of LielRīga — "Greater Riga." ## Out of the Mouths of Babes Comes Truth? Marta Kotello, chair of the Riga City Council Committee on the Environment and Development, emphasized that now "we are designing Riga for the youth, but their vision may differ radically from ours." According to the politician from the "Progressive" party, the European urban environment is characterized by high-density development, where all infrastructure is within walking distance. In this regard, she likes areas such as Teika and Old Agenskalns. Of course, M. Kotello advocates for "public transport to dominate" in the capital! The moderator of the discussion, urbanist Viesturs Celmiņš, in turn, cooled the daydreaming Ms. Kotello. He informed those present that most of his children's classmates from the First Gymnasium see their future outside Latvia.
