STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND PRIORITIES OF KHERSON REGION URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF POPULATION QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVING

The real measure of sustainable urban development is the achievement of the urban level and standards of living, the transformation of urbanization into the driving force of consistent economic growth, social and cultural development, and environmental protection. At the same time, numerous forms of poverty, growing inequalities and environmental degradation, social and economic isolation, and spatial segregation of the population persist in certain cities and towns. A differential approach to improving the different territories population quality of life according to their specifics during the period of economic and political instability, and the growth of social tension in Ukraine is absolutely necessary. The controversial nature of urban development in the Kherson region was established. The weak region urbanization, the smallest network of Ukrainian cities, one of the lowest (among regions of Ukraine) regional indices of human development, the rural way of life preservation – all of this creates enormous problems for the sustainability of cities in the region, in particular, housing, infrastructure, major services, food safety, health, education, decent work, security and natural resources. The article outlines strategic directions and priorities of urban development in the context of improving the quality of life allowing for the urbanization of certain types of Kherson region areas. The main purpose of these activities is to preserve the system of settlement areas, including city, supporting of small towns and villages, creation of basic conditions for self-realization of all age groups of the population, establishing of the best transport and information connections between settlements. These measures will ensure revitalization of economic activity, employment and improving public awareness, development and modernization of all types of infrastructure, especially in small urban areas, promote suburbanization. All this will greatly improve the quality of life of the population. The presented strategic directions and priorities can also be applied at the state and local level to support local planning.