Chiayi City GovernmentChiayi City Government

Chiayi City Introduces 992 Sets of Domestic Timber Desks and Chairs to Create Low-Carbon Learning Environments Post Date: March 5 Department of Education / Tourism and Information Department The Chiayi City Government, in collaboration with the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, held a joint press conference on Thursday (March 5) at Jiabei Elementary School. Mayor Huang Min-hui, alongside FANCA Director-General Lin Hua-ching, announced the formal introduction of 992 sets of classroom desks and chairs crafted from 100% domestic Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) into the city’s schools. This initiative aims to transform campuses into a "second forest" and proactive carbon storage hubs, with the new furniture estimated to sequester approximately 23 metric tons of carbon. Mayor Huang underscored that Chiayi City, historically celebrated as Taiwan’s “Wood Capital,” may lack vast natural forests but possesses a unique “humanistic forest” within its urban fabric. The adoption of domestic timber represents more than a mere equipment upgrade; it is a strategic policy shift integrating environmental sustainability, forestry transformation, and aesthetic education. By prioritizing locally sourced materials, Chiayi City is turning classrooms into carbon-capturing warehouses. According to technical estimates, every 100 sets of cedar desks sequester approximately 2.3 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 300 mature trees. This tangible climate action not only supports the domestic forestry supply chain but also embodies the city's "+1" brand spirit of collaborative innovation for a sustainable future. According to estimates, producing 100 sets of cedar desks and chairs can store about 2.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of approximately 300 trees. The initiative also supports Taiwan’s domestic forestry industry and encourages broader use of locally sourced timber materials. Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency Director-General Lin Hua-ching noted that promoting domestic timber fosters a virtuous cycle of forest cultivation, management, and harvesting while significantly reducing carbon footprints. Each piece of furniture carries the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, ensuring responsible sourcing from well-managed forests. Furthermore, every desk is equipped with a QR code, allowing students to trace the specific origin of the timber. The Department of Education added that these "breathing" desks provide a multi-sensory environment for "wood education," allowing students to experience the warmth and texture of natural materials daily. This project directly aligns with Taiwan’s 2050 Net-Zero Emissions strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 12, and 13), reaffirming Chiayi City’s commitment to global climate action and the preservation of its timber heritage.    

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Livestock Census Office Established in Chiayi City; Online Participation Encouraged via New Two-Stage Survey Design Post Date: March 2 Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics  / Tourism and Information Department To support the nationwide 2025 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Livestock Census conducted by the Executive Yuan’s Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, the Chiayi City Government on Monday (March 2) formally established the Chiayi City Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Livestock Census Office as a temporary census task force. Mayor Huang Min-hui, serving concurrently as Census Director, presided over the unveiling ceremony, marking the official launch of the city’s once-every-five-years comprehensive agricultural "physical examination." This year’s census adopts a pioneering two-stage data collection design to better accommodate respondents’ busy schedules. The first stage allows eligible participants to complete the census independently through an online reporting system from April 10 to April 30. Following this, on-site visits by trained census personnel will be carried out from May 1 to June 30. Although field interviews begin in May, online reporting will remain accessible until June 15, and participants who complete the census online will be eligible to enter a prize draw for various rewards. Mayor Huang noted that the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Livestock Census is a nationwide survey conducted every five years and has been carried out regularly since 1956, with this year marking its 15th round. The census provides essential data on agricultural land use, production, and sales revenues, and other key national statistics. It also gathers vital information regarding agricultural safety, smart production, sector transformation, labor-saving machinery, and under-forest economic activities. Accurate statistical data, she emphasized, enables the government to allocate resources more effectively, improve the welfare of farmers and fishers, and further the city's "+1" brand spirit of collaborative progress. The Department of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics stated that online participants will have the opportunity to win prizes, including gift cards valued at up to NT$100,000, with a total of 351 rewards, and that the likelihood of winning increases for those who complete their reporting before April 30. Approximately 6,229 households in Chiayi City are expected to be surveyed, with support from nearly 90 census workers. To ensure public safety, Mayor Huang reminded residents to recognize the "Three No's and Two Yes's" anti-fraud principle: census workers will wear official IDs and will deliver formal notification letters; they will not leak personal data, will not ask for information outside the census scope, and will not request bank account details or passbooks. All personal data collected will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for statistical analysis. Residents with questions may contact the relevant district offices or the Chiayi City Department of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics for verification.  

Chiayi City 2026 New Year Gathering: Economy Bucks Trend to Post Sole Positive Tax Growth Among Six Southern Counties Post Date: February 23, 2026 Social Affairs Department / Tourism and Information Department The Chiayi City Government and the Chiayi City Branch of the National Taxation Bureau of the Southern Area (NTBSA) jointly held the 2026 Lunar New Year gathering at City Hall today (Feb. 23). Mayor Huang Min-hui, municipal officials, elected representatives, business and social leaders, religious groups, and school principals gathered to exchange New Year greetings and strengthen collaboration for the year ahead. Mayor Huang emphasized the importance of central-local cooperation, urging the central government to fully fund the railway elevation project and accelerate the High-Speed Rail connecting light rail to drive regional development. She also highlighted the city’s economic initiatives—such as the debt-free NT$6,000 cash distribution to residents and a supplementary NT$600 business district and night market voucher program—which successfully boosted local consumption and supported urban recovery following Typhoon Danas and global economic shifts. Reflecting on 2025, NTBSA Chiayi City Branch Director Lee Yung-sheng noted that while national tax revenue fell for the first time in five years, Chiayi City achieved the only positive tax growth among six southern counties and cities. Key tax categories—including business tax, corporate income tax, and property-related taxes—all showed increases. Director Lee stated this growth illustrates the effectiveness of local economic and tourism strategies. The city’s efforts to attract visitors through local food and cultural tourism have driven growth in the catering, accommodation, and retail sectors, directly contributing to the outstanding tax performance. The gathering featured a New Year medley by the ASA Band and the 320+1 City Expo theme song, “All Chiayi Flies Together,” symbolizing unity and ongoing collaboration across sectors. Mayor Huang reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to sustainable governance and the three pillars of “economic co-prosperity, social co-creation, and environmental co-existence,” aiming to create a thriving, resilient, and happy Chiayi City.