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“Jelgava today is not what it was yesterday, and the city tomorrow will no longer be what we know today. Jelgava is constantly growing, changing, and developing. However, the soul of the city remains unchanged – the people of Jelgava, who are demanding, wise, and industrious. The people of Jelgava are the driving force that has kept the city moving for 759 years. That is why every birthday of the city is also a celebration for every resident, as we clearly understand that Jelgava is us. Happy birthday, Jelgava!” wishes Andris Rāviņš, the Chairman of Jelgava City Council, inviting everyone to enjoy the festivities this week.

“I am convinced that in the long history of Jelgava, there has never been a year when the city mayor could confidently say, ‘We have had an easy year, there has been enough money for all the plans, every project has gone smoothly, and all the residents have been satisfied.’ Life does not work that way because we, the people of Jelgava, are demanding. What is accomplished today is forgotten tomorrow, new plans are made, new projects are started, and we always want to achieve more. However, the city must always be able to wisely balance desires with possibilities. This has also been the case in Jelgava’s 758th year,” emphasizes A. Rāviņš.

Can you name this year’s biggest decision?

Undoubtedly, it is the development project of the Zemgale Industrial Park. We have been searching for a way to develop this area for many years. Yes, there have been failures, but only those who do nothing make no mistakes. However, we do not stop because we understand how crucial the development of this area is for the city’s future. Last year, our proposed project was approved, and we secured EU funding of 20 million euros. The project’s conditions are quite stringent – 20 million must be utilised in a record short time, and we must guarantee the immediate creation of jobs – all this at a time when geopolitical situations make investors extremely cautious about the Baltic states. But we decided to act rather than not to act. Yes, it would probably be easier to decline, but we do not choose the easiest path; we choose the one where the people of Jelgava will benefit.

We have a very tight schedule ahead to start reconstructing sections of Atmodas, Lapskalna, and Slokas Streets this autumn, to create a new street section connecting Atmodas Street with the Dobele highway, and to renew the asphalt surface on Meiju Road.

This will be one of the most ambitious projects in the city in recent times and will significantly transform this city district in the coming years, creating an even more convenient living environment for the people of Jelgava and attracting new investors to the city.

But several other street reconstruction projects are also continuing in the city. How are these progressing?

This year, very intensive work is continuing in the city quarter around Nameja Street, 2nd and 3rd Līnija, where streets are being reconstructed, and a new street section is being built from 2nd to 3rd Līnija. All reconstructed streets will be paved, with pedestrian and bicycle paths, lighting, parking spaces, and landscaped areas. Additionally, water supply and sewerage networks, stormwater drainage systems, and traffic lights at the intersection of 3rd Līnija and the Dobele highway will be constructed. The total project cost is over 6 million euros, and all work must be completed by next autumn, when we will again be able to appreciate how the infrastructure of an entire city quarter has changed.

Another significant project is the improvement of the Jelgava bypass, which residents have been waiting for a very long time. For years, we have had to continuously prove and demand from the Ministry of Transport that it fulfils the Cabinet’s regulations and provides co-financing for the reconstruction of the transit road. Last year, we secured funding for the reconstruction of Aizsargu Street and the roundabout, but the fight for funding to improve Miera Street continues. Understanding that the state is still not fully ready to meet the conditions, we are forced to divide the reconstruction of Miera Street into phases. However, at least part of Miera Street will be improved this year, and we will continue the work afterwards.

There are projects that begin, continue, but which projects will be completed this year?

Just before the city’s celebrations, we handed over the new civil registry office building in Raiņa Park. The process was not easy because the initial contractor failed to fulfil its obligations, and last year we had to terminate the contract. This was the reason why the work was delayed, and the building was not completed by the initially set deadline. However, for the municipality, quality work is always more important than the deadline. Throughout this time, we have meticulously supervised the work process and have not allowed the slightest deviation from the project. I hope that soon Jelgava’s residents will be able to appreciate the new possibilities offered by the much larger and more modern premises for such important moments in our lives.

A few months ago, we also opened the multifunctional social services centre at 47a Zirgu Street, which means that the range of social services in the city has become even broader.

Another project rapidly approaching completion is the construction of the water tourism and sports base in Pilssala, along with the reconstruction of Pilssala Street. We will have arranged another section of the Lielupe River bank and created a modern sports base for our athletes.

The construction of the stadium near Centra Primary School is nearing completion – does this mean that the next step will be the refurbishment of another school’s stadium?

Yes, the municipality has been systematically implementing projects to renovate the city’s school stadiums for several years. We have built stadiums at the State Gymnasium, the Technology Secondary School, and the 4th Primary School. Currently, the State Spīdola Gymnasium stadium is being designed, and this will be followed by the reconstruction of the 5th Secondary School and Pārlielupe Primary School stadiums.

The stadium near Centra Primary School has already taken shape. It will be a modern sports facility with an equipped area for lessons, outdoor experiments, and extracurricular activities.

Meanwhile, another project that is currently in its initial stages involves the construction of a skate park and stadium at Pārlielupe Primary School. First, a construction project will be developed, and the construction work will be carried out in phases, starting with the skate park at 33 Loka Maģistrāle, followed by the school stadium. The skate park will feature several zones with various tracks, alongside which we will also set up an outdoor gym area and a multifunctional sports ground.

This year, the municipality plans to secure funding for private preschools to relieve some parents from co-payment in private kindergartens. How is this process progressing?

The municipality recognizes that it cannot provide a place for every child in a municipal kindergarten, so every year we review the co-funding for private kindergartens, and this year, it has been increased to prevent costs from rising for parents. However, we are always looking for additional ways to support families in Jelgava.

Currently, we are participating in a procurement process to secure 3 million euros from the European Social Fund, which would completely relieve 397 children aged 4 to 6 from parental co-payment.

In the first call, two private preschool institutions have already been approved to participate in the project, and this week, the second procurement for service provision will be concluded. As soon as the project is approved, the municipality will inform which private kindergartens will offer the opportunity for 4–6-year-olds to attend without parental co-payment from the autumn. This will undoubtedly be a significant relief for families, but it will also place certain conditions on parents that they will need to follow.

Last year you mentioned that low-cost rental housing construction would start in the city this spring.

The project by the company “Jelgavas īres nami” for the construction of low-rent houses at 54 Ganību Street is progressing successfully. The final stages of building project approvals are underway, and construction will soon begin. The total investment in the project is around 12 million euros, and these apartments will be available for rent to specific groups of residents who find it difficult to purchase housing at market prices. These investments are crucial for the city to attract new specialists and support local families.

What is your birthday wish for Jelgava?

Ever smarter, more industrious, and more demanding Jelgava residents who will never allow our city’s development to stop! Only if Jelgava is in our hearts and minds will we see and seize opportunities in any situation, not be afraid to take responsibility, and be ready to engage and work together. With the deepest conviction, I say – we are Jelgava!