The 21st session of the Lutsk City Council took place, with 8 issues submitted for consideration. In addition to clarifying the 2004 budget, related mainly to budget overperformance and targeted revenues from the regional budget, the deputies also approved the city Program of Employment of the Population for 2005. Traditionally, the annual employment program for Lutsk residents is developed based on an analysis of trends in the city's socio-economic development and the labor market, as well as in accordance with the program of socio-economic development of the city for 2005. In particular, it envisages maintaining the level of growth in industrial production volumes of no less than 20%, increasing investments, and raising wages and pensions in the budgetary and non-budgetary spheres. Accordingly, it is forecast that next year the labor supply in the city will amount to over 15.5 thousand persons. About 12.5 thousand Lutsk residents will require employment. The projected number of unemployed is about 3 thousand persons. In accordance with these forecasts, the Program for 2005 envisages the creation of 2,750 new jobs in all spheres of economic activity. There is an intention to employ no fewer than 9,000 Lutsk residents in free jobs and vacant positions. 430 persons will receive one-time assistance to start their own business. 2,300 people will be directed to public works. In addition, 1,470 Lutsk residents will be able to receive vocational training opportunities, and the employment center is ready to provide career guidance assistance to 20,000 citizens. Particular attention in the Program is focused on the employment of those citizens who find it difficult to compete in the labor market (over 1,200 such persons are expected to be employed next year). These are women with children, citizens of pre-retirement age, and school graduates. The deputies also considered the issue of preparing a program to ensure free and comfortable access for people with limited physical abilities to public facilities, approval of the list of people's assessors of the Lutsk City and District Court, and also considered land issues. The next session of the Lutsk City Council is scheduled for January 6. The main issue is the adoption of the city budget for 2005.