The activities of the poviat are a combination of interrelated factors. The use of natural resources should be carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The aim of this research was to assess the spatial differentiation of development relationships, the natural environment, and ecology of poviats in Poland, using a synthetic measure. Empirical data were collected in the spatial terms of poviats in Poland. The choice of variables was conditioned by the availability of data of the Central Statistical Office for 2010–2019. The assessment of development of poviats indicates disproportions in terms of development variables, as well as the natural environment and ecology, and the existence of a weak impact of natural conditions for development. Poviats distinguished by a higher level of natural environment are not characterized by a higher measure of development. The reason for the low impact of non-financial conditions on the development of poviats is their dependence on transfer from the state budget and the amount of current expenditure. The results may constitute a source of information for local government authorities on the disproportions existing between units, on the determination of directions of development policy optimization in terms of the natural environment and ecology.

The resources of labor and endogenous capital in these communes are shrinking due to wash-out effects. The aim of the article is an attempt to identify demographic factors influencing the spatial differentiation of the financial situation and an attempt to establish a relationship between the demographic situation of communes and their financial situation. Design/Methodology/Approach: The choice of variables in 2009-2018 was largely conditioned by the availability of data collected in the municipal system at the Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution method was used to build synthetic measures. Findings: Communes located peripheral to the central center are characterized by, among others the effect of washing out the demographic potential. Their main problem is the scarcity of endogenous factors, which is a barrier to independent initiation of development. The research results indicate that a better demographic potential increases the diversity of individuals. Moreover, there is a relationship between the demography and the financial situation of communes. Demographic conditions are one of the basic factors in the development of communes. The financial situation and development opportunities change in the face of a progressive decline in the fertility rate, aging of the population and increasing population mobility. Practical Implications: The results of the conducted research enable local governments to make comparisons. The conclusions drawn may allow local authorities to determine potential directions of optimization of fiscal and demographic policies. Originality/value: The added value of the paper is the research findings focused on the assessment relationship between the financial situation and the demographic potential of municipalities. The research was conducted on a large group of communes (484) in eastern Poland.

The green economy is a form of economic progress. It promotes environmentally sustainable, low-carbon, and inclusive development. It ensures environmental sustainability and preserves the conditions for social progress. The current model of resource management is not sustainable and puts pressure on the environment. The proposed steps toward a green economy are intended to benefit both the environment, the economy, and society. The aim of the study was to assess the spatial differentiation of the relationship between the green economy and the zero waste concept of Eastern Poland’s municipalities. The assessment was performed using a synthetic measure. The choice of variables was determined by the availability of data in the Bank of Local Data of the Central Statistical Office (BDL GUS) for the years 2010–2020 in spatial terms (709) municipalities of Eastern Poland. The synthetic measure of green economy ranged from 0.28 to 0.56 in 2010 and from 0.28 to 0.59 in 2020; and for the waste management measure, from 0.19 to 0.55 in 2010 and 0.32 to 0.53 in 2020. Spatially, the essence of the green economy or zero waste stems from the desire to reduce the burden on the environment by creating attractive conditions for living and business activities. The development of the green economy is to shape the aspect of the environment, while ensuring economic security and quality of life.

The provincial government, a separate association of regional communities in the state structure, carries out public tasks that affect the quality of life of the local community and the activities of businesses. Geographical conditions and the effect of socioeconomic factors lead to different levels of development in different regions. The endogenous potential of the local government is the result of a combination of local conditions, determining its opportunities and directions of development. The aim of this article was to assess and identify the spatial differentiation in the relationship between the green economy and the financial situation of voivodeships in Poland using synthetic measures. The choice of variables for the period of 2010–2020 was determined by the availability of the data collected from the regional system in the CSO Local Data Bank. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution was used to construct the synthetic measures. Financial resources are the basis for the operation of local government units, conditioning the implementation of their current and developmental tasks. Knowledge of the current state of finances allows authorities to make comparisons with other units and is helpful in making financial decisions. The green economy is one of the paths to sustainable development. The green economy increases the quality of life and social equality while reducing environmental risks and natural resource consumption. As a result of the research procedure, the spatial differentiation of provinces in Poland in 2010–2020 is presented in terms of the level of the synthetic measure of the green economy and financial situation. In 2010, the synthetic measure of the green economy ranged from 0.31 to 0.42, and in 2020, it ranged from 0.40 to 0.53. The synthetic measure of financial risk in 2010 ranged from 0.37 to 0.61, and in 2020, it ranged from 0.40 to 0.77. The measures are shaped by economic activity and working conditions, health, education, leisure and social relations, economic and physical security, and environmental quality. The results of this survey enable local governments to make comparisons. The lessons learned can allow them to identify potential directions for optimizing development policies.

The paper presents the opportunities for funding ecological investments with the example of the Czestochowa Municipal Enterprise. Modernizations of facilities and technologies are usually very capitalintensive investments. High costs of operation and changes introduced to programs of waste management have stimulated creation of various forms of support for the enterprises, including companies involved in municipal waste management. Both Poland and the European Union provide financial support to enterprises for ecological and innovative purposes. For nearly 15 years, both national and international programs have offered their support for changes in the system of waste management. The Czestochowa Municipal Enterprise has been successful in meeting legal requirements. Subsidies from the EU operational programs (nearly a third of investments in 2004-2014) allowed for the achievement of a high level of investments. One should emphasize performance of such tasks as municipal waste sorting plant, composting facility, station of bulky waste disassembly, station of construction debris fragmentation or municipal point of dangerous waste collection. 200 points of selective waste collection have been created in the community and educational campaigns were performed concerning waste sorting. Each of these units represents a necessary component of modern and ecological waste management. Nowadays, waste landfills represent modern enterprises with huge economic potential, whereas investments and subsidies allow for the development and building infrastructure of the municipal industry which is essential in development of cities and villages.