October 13, 2026: Nizhny Novgorod and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk were declared the winners of the first All-Russian competition "Family Capital of Russia" and received the honorary title of the country's family capitals for 2027.[1] The two cities shared the victory, having scored an equal number of points in the final evaluation.[2]
The competition and how it was conducted
The All-Russian competition "Family Capital of Russia" was held for the first time, on the instruction of President Vladimir Putin and with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.[1] In all, 60 Russian cities applied to take part. Selection took place in two stages: first, a commission reviewed the applications, assessing housing affordability, the quality of the urban environment, and measures of support for families with children; then experts visited the shortlisted cities in person.[2]
The ten finalists were Kazan, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Penza, Ryazan, Saransk, Tula, Khanty-Mansiysk, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.[1] In reaching the final decision, the judges took into account the transport accessibility of hospitals, schools, and sports and cultural facilities, the availability of low-floor public transport, as well as public spaces and cafés adapted for families with children.[2]
On-site evaluation in Nizhny Novgorod
In September 2026, the expert commission carried out an on-site evaluation in Nizhny Novgorod. The program of the visit was developed by specialists of the Region's Ministry of Social Development and Family Policy together with the autonomous nonprofit organization "Institute for Demographic Development." Relevant government bodies, the city administration, social, educational, cultural, and sports institutions, public organizations, and representatives of the business community were involved in the work.[1] The experts familiarized themselves with family infrastructure facilities and assessed opportunities for leisure, cultural and athletic development, and education, as well as business participation in supporting employees with children, including the "OSNOVA" program, the "Molochnaya Kukhnya" (Milk Kitchen), neighborhood centers, and rental points.[1]
Award ceremony
The official announcement ceremony took place on October 13, 2026, at the State Kremlin Palace. The Nizhny Novgorod delegation was headed by Governor Gleb Nikitin; it included First Deputy Governor Andrey Gneushev, Head of Nizhny Novgorod Yuri Shalabaev, the Region's Minister of Social Development and Family Policy Igor Sedykh, and experts from the autonomous nonprofit organization "Institute of Demographic Development."[1]
Significance of the Status
A city awarded the title of family capital becomes the main federal showcase for family projects: its social programs and support measures are intended to be adopted in other regions of the country.[2] The new status opens up additional opportunities for promoting Nizhny Novgorod practices at the federal level, developing interregional cooperation, and improving the urban environment to better meet the needs of families with children. It also guarantees federal support for events and pilot status for testing new measures.[1]
Sources
- Vremya N — Nizhny Novgorod to Become One of Two Family Capitals of Russia in 2027
- Newsroom24 — Nizhny Novgorod and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Named Russia's Family Capitals for 2027 — Society