Opening the meeting, Dmitry Kozak remarked that "such dates can be celebrated only once in fifty years, and this is a chance for the city to improve the quality of its urban environment." "Today is the end of the organizational period of forming a list of projects, and the beginning of a period of working actively to realize them. A schedule for each project is prepared. The challenge is to follow it carefully," he said.

Mr Kozak emphasized the necessity of efficiently using funds from the budgets of various levels. "We are not going to take our lead from those who are attempting to inflate the cost of construction. The celebration will cost just the amount budgeted by the law and plan of events," stressed the deputy prime minister.

Dmitry Kozak instructed the city administration to put the facades of privately-owned buildings and facilities in proper order.