The monograph examines the theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of socio-economic development of cities in the context of decentralization. Theoretical and methodological bases of providing and forming institutional bases of social and economic development of cities are substantiated. Considerable attention is paid to identifying priority areas and ways to increase citizen participation in urban development. The strategic directions of formation of the model of sustainable social and economic development of cities are determined. For research and teaching staff, heads of state executive and local governments and specialists dealing with decentralization and socio-economic development of communities, graduate students, students majoring in 073 "Management", 281 "Public Administration", 051 "Economics", 081 "Law".

The comparison of eco-friendliness of paper packaging materials from wood and alternative raw materials (straw, fallen leaves, etc.) with polyethylene packaging was made. The analysis was conducted according to the following criteria: consumption of raw materials, electricity, rubbish formation, and price of selling products. Advantages and drawbacks of each raw material type were characterized. It has been mentioned that polymers make a considerable and increasing part in manufacturing packaging materials. The prospects of producing paper bags from leaves and their sales prices were analyzed. The terms of degradation of packages made from different materials were analyzed. The conclusion has been made that paper from fallen leaves is not cheap, but it is important considering its environmental safety.  SWOT analysis of “Spicy pack” enterprise’s activity was analyzed (it will be engaged in manufacturing spicy packages for food products from innovative raw materials). The expediency of making spicy packages for food products was substantiated. In particular, ‘Spicy pack” logo consisting of only eco-paper (made from fallen leaves) and spices was suggested. Such packaging will help prolong 4 times food products’ suitability.  Such spices as cloves, rosemary, oregano, curcuma, and sage having antiseptic properties will be added to packages and napkins. These products will be reused for two-three weeks, then spices vanish, and the paper can be processed.

The author's approach as to the impact of human factor on the possibility to create and develop energy efficiency of villages, providing their energy independence of difficult situation with conventional energy sources in Ukraine has been suggested in the article. The calculation of human development index in the agrarian sector of the Ukrainian economy during 2010-2017 has been conducted which enabled to reveal the negative tendency as to decreasing the level of employees’ education. It has been determined that the human development index and the human development index of the Ukrainian economy’s agrarian sector are within the average level with the slight positive dynamics of growth. It has been emphasized that under these conditions receiving higher education is a priority task both for each employee and for agricultural enterprises, which must contribute to the improvement of their employees’ qualification level and training new professions. The model of the impact of educational level of employees in the agrarian sector of the economy on energy efficiency has been presented, taking into account the promising directions of energy independence and energy efficiency development of rural settlements.

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