The conference discussed preparations for the 300th anniversary of the city. President Putin criticised regional heads of some ministries and departments for inefficient use of the funds allocated for the festivities.
He proposed that they should focus on the socio-economic situation of the city and the region rather than on the forthcoming jubilee events. According to the President, the municipal authorities should give more attention to the construction of housing, the city’s infrastructure, roads and communications, not only to the restoration of the city’s historical centre.