In this episode, we talk to the long-time mayor of the municipality of Hoče-Slivnica, dr. Marko Soršek. We discuss the challenges faced by the local government, as well as how to manage a municipality that is embedded between the urban environment and the natural beauty of Pohorje. 💼🏡 Marko shares an insight into his experiences in obtaining investments, such as the famous story with Magna, and points out how important it is to balance development with nature conservation. 🌳💪 We also touch on infrastructure, challenges with legislation, the centralization of Slovenia and problems with municipal financing. The conversation becomes personal when the mayor talks about family life, pressures on children and how to stay active and healthy even in a demanding work environment. 🏃‍♂️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoy the conversation, where we also open topics about life in the municipality, sports and how to attract young families back to smaller towns! 🔥 ⏰ Timeline: 0:00 - Introduction 🌲🏞️ 2:19 - How does the municipality work?: Connection of the community in Hoče-Slivnica. 🤝 3:57 - Transport infrastructure and urbanism: Highways, railways and development. 🚗🛤️ 5:01 - Population growth: Reasons for immigration to the municipality. 👨‍👩‍👦🏡 6:40 - Burden on public finances: Investments in kindergartens, schools and homes. 📚🏠 8:56 - Project preparation: Challenges in implementing large investments. 🔄 10:25 - Centralization and decentralization: How it affects local self-government. 🏢 11:23 - Acquisition of investments: Strategy and acquisition of investors. 🏗️ 15:19 - Story with Magna: How the project unfolded. 🚗 16:37 - Lex Magna and legislation: Establishment of a special law for large investments. 📜 19:01 - Environmental problems: Obstacles to the further development of Magna. 🌍 21:47 - Maribor Airport: Revitalization project and cooperation with Chinese partners. ✈️ 26:08 - Opportunities for regional development: Possible breakthroughs for the wider area. 📈 27:04 - The role of the mayor: The problems and pressures he faces. 🔄 28:24 - The case of mud pollution: Environmental issues and legal battles. ⚖️ 31:36 - Preservation of avenues: The story of the oldest linden avenue. 🌳💥 36:06 - Sports and youth: How the municipality promotes sports and an active life. 🏃‍♂️⚽ 37:33 - Personal experiences: Family, nutrition and health during stressful work. 🍎💪 39:59 - Does being mayor bring regrets?: A conversation about experiences and family life. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 43:14 - Influence on the development of the municipality: Key projects and the future. 🚀 45:08 - Demographic challenges: What to do to keep young families coming back. 🤔👶 #ObčinaHočeSlivnica #RazvojLokalneSkupnosti #Slovenija #Pohorje #Narava #Župan #Okolje #PodcastEpizoda #SlovenskiPodcast #LokalniRazvoj #JavnaUprava #Lexlocalis #BoštjanBrezovnik