Grassroots democracy
We are convinced that a city develops when decisions are born from below — in courtyards, communities and initiatives, not only in offices.
About us
About us
The City Development Office is an independent organisation of proactive professionals who came together to restore and modernise Ukrainian cities and turn them into modern, sustainable cities of European standard.
We work at the intersection of civil society, culture, technology, law, medicine and communications. Our approach is simple: listen to the city, see the opportunity and take the next step together.
Our vision: the development of grassroots democracy as the main driving force behind the development and reform of Ukrainian society.
What we stand on
Four things we will not trade away
Honesty with the community
We speak plainly about what works and what does not. We do not promise quick wins where long and careful work is needed.
Professional depth
Behind every direction there is real expertise: law, culture, technology, medicine, communications. We take on what we are competent in.
Action over declarations
We value concrete steps more than loud statements. The best argument is a change you can see in your own city.
“The development of grassroots democracy is the main driving force behind the development and reform of Ukrainian society.”
The vision of the City Development Office
The people of Cityoffice
Founders of the City Development Office
Different backgrounds, one shared belief: change happens when responsibility moves from words to concrete action.
01Law · Infrastructure · Reforms
Olha Balytska
Head of the Real Estate and Infrastructure practice at PWC Legal, adviser to the Mayor of Kyiv, co-founder of the SpanBond charity foundation, author of Kyiv anti-corruption reforms, civic activist and NV columnist
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02Culture · Bold formats
Vlad Troitskyi
Founder of projects iconic for Ukrainian culture: DAKH theatre, DakhaBrakha and Dakh Daughters bands, NOVA OPERA and the GOGOLFEST festival. Laureate of the Shevchenko National Prize (2020)
03Law · Partnerships · Strategy
Nataliia Fiala
Lawyer at DLA Piper, project lead in infrastructure, energy, media and financial services, Supervisory Board member of Pechersk International School, co-founder of the SpanBond charity foundation
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04Technology · Entrepreneurship
Yurii Syvytskyi
Board member of INTECRACY Ventures, board member of Fund-2020 and President of the Software Ukraine Association
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05Medicine · Social solutions
Anastasiia Barzylovych
Pediatrician, PhD in Medicine, author of the project and co-founder of a network of pediatric clinics
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06Communications · Communities
Kseniia Yefremova (Piatyhina)
Co-founder and managing partner of the SAME & Friends marketing communications agency, expert in communications and marketing, co-founder of the SpanBond charity foundation
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We are open to people who care about Ukrainian cities — volunteers, experts and partners.