Olsztyn municipal border expansion dispute

The proposal to expand the administrative boundaries of Olsztyn has met significant resistance from neighboring municipalities. Olsztyn Mayor Robert Szewczyk initiated a procedure to incorporate approximately 27.5 square kilometers, including areas such as Jaroty, Bartąg, and parts of Dywity. The Mayor argued that the city’s borders have not changed in 40 years, necessitating expansion for cohesive urban planning and to alleviate the budgetary strain caused by neighboring residents using Olsztyn’s infrastructure.

In response, the municipalities of Dywity and Stawiguda have officially and unanimously rejected the proposals. Dywity councilors passed a resolution to defend local autonomy, while Stawiguda officials expressed concerns regarding the impact on local finances, schools, and infrastructure. Stawiguda leadership specifically rejected the idea of their territory being used as a “territorial reserve” for Olsztyn. Stawiguda officials also characterized certain descriptions of neighboring municipalities by the Olsztyn Mayor as offensive to the local community.

Opposition has escalated to public protests at the Olsztyn city hall. Stawiguda Mayor Michał Kontraktowicz reported that over 5,000 residents have signed a statement of opposition, with plans for a local referendum. Dywity Mayor Agnieszka Sakowska-Hrywniak also voiced concerns regarding the loss of local history and social identity.

On November 4, 2026, the Olsztyn County Council issued a formal statement opposing the expansion, warning that losing urbanized zones could lead to significant financial and social consequences for the county. During the initial City Council vote on October 28, independent councilman Mirosław Arczak was the sole vote against the procedure, criticizing leadership for failing to include these plans in previous strategic development documents.