The Sofia Municipality is introducing a new management structure, which will come into effect from February 1, 2026, without increasing the number of the administration, the Municipality announced, quoted by dariknews.bg.
The new model provides for a clear distribution of powers, responsibilities and control in the management of the city, with the aim of better coordination between planning, construction, infrastructure, security and the development of the public environment. The Sofia Municipality indicates that the goal is to overcome the current approach of making isolated decisions without assessing the cumulative effect on neighborhoods, traffic, green spaces and public infrastructure.
Within the framework of the reform, new areas are being created, including “Urban Planning and Development“ and “Security“, an independent department “Education, Sports and Youth Activities“ is being established, and culture and tourism are being merged into one direction. The total number of employees in the administration remains unchanged, with minimal layoffs planned – under 5 percent, mainly in the “Municipal Revenues“ directorate, as a result of the digitalization of services.
With the new structure, three deputy mayors are also being appointed. From February 2, 2026, Lyubo Georgiev will assume the position of Deputy Mayor for “Urban Planning and Development“, and will be responsible for spatial and infrastructure planning, control over construction, the urban environment and cultural heritage.
From the same date, Desislava Zhelyazkova will be appointed Deputy Mayor with the portfolio of “Education, Sports and Youth Activities“.
From February 16, 2026, Lachezar Milushev will be appointed Deputy Mayor for Security. The newly created “Security“ will be responsible for the coordination between municipal structures, district administrations and state institutions, as well as for the management of activities related to public order, prevention and response to crises.
The Sofia Municipality emphasizes that the new management structure aims for a more effective and sustainable management model, consistent with the dynamic development of the city and the growing demands on public services.
The reform was proposed by the Mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev and was approved by the Sofia Municipal Council in December 2025. The proposal was supported by 31 municipal councilors, three voted "against", and 15 abstained. The report on a new structure of the Sofia Municipality was rejected twice at council meetings in November.