Forming a methodological approach for the municipalities potential development evaluation

The determination of the main directions and priorities of the region's spatial development is largely determined by the resources and capabilities of its municipalities. In this regard, there is a need to evaluate local territories (municipalities) potential development. The aim of the work is to work out a methodical approach of the local territories' potential development evaluation in the context of the region's spatial development. The subject of the research is: factors, means and methods of municipalities potential development evaluation. The review of scientific publications, devoted to the evaluation of the territories potential development is presented in the article and the necessity of own approach elaboration is substantiated. The author's methodology of evaluating the municipal development potential in the context of the region's spatial development, which takes into account the factors of "first and second nature" development, has been proposed. The article presents the logic of forming a system of indicators for the evaluation of natural and resource, human, transport and financial potentials as structural elements of the territory development potential. The methodology for the evaluation of Kamchatka Krai municipalities potential development in the context of region's spatial development has been tested. Based on the obtained evaluation, using the tools of cluster analysis, municipalities grouping and territorial zoning of the region were carried out. The proposed approach to the municipal potential development evaluation can be used as a management tool to improve the effectiveness of public policy in planning the region's spatial development.