Chiayi City GovernmentChiayi City Government

Chiayi City Holds Investment Briefing for Phase II Public Urban Renewal Project West of Minzu Elementary School   Post Date:  January 19, 2026 Issued by: Urban Development Department / Tourism and Information Department The Chiayi City Government is advancing the Phase II public urban renewal project west of Minzu Elementary School and held its first investment briefing on January 19 at the Yuh Tong Hotel in Chiayi City. The briefing marked the official launch of the investment invitation and attracted representatives from central government agencies, public land authorities, construction companies, real estate development associations, insurance firms, and asset management companies. Mayor Huang Min-hui attended the event and welcomed nationwide participation. Mayor Huang stated that the city continues to promote urban renewal in response to climate challenges and evolving urban development needs. Through integrated planning and cross-department coordination, Chiayi City aims to create an environment that is inclusive for all ages and suitable for long-term living across generations. She noted that Phase I of the public urban renewal project adjacent to Minzu Elementary School was the first public-led urban renewal case in the Central Taiwan–Yunlin–Chiayi region. Phase II, located in a prime downtown area of approximately 2,976 ping, is planned to incorporate commercial functions, social housing, and other facilities, with private-sector participation expected to further drive urban revitalization. Mayor Huang further noted that the Phase II project is among the largest public urban renewal investment cases in Chiayi City in recent years. The site is located at a key intersection of Minzu Road and Wufeng North Road, near the Cultural Road commercial district and major urban amenities, offering strong development potential. Through a public-led urban renewal approach, the city aims to integrate private-sector resources and professional expertise to develop a new urban core that combines residential, commercial, and public service functions. Director Hsu Huai-chun of the Urban Development Department explained that the project site covers approximately 9,837 square meters and consists entirely of publicly owned land, with ownership integration already completed. The investment invitation was formally announced on December 30, 2025, with a total investment estimated to exceed NT$5 billion. Planned facilities include residential and commercial uses, social housing, public parking, and other social welfare amenities, striking a balance between urban development and public interest. During the briefing, the city government and its consultants provided explanations on site conditions, development concepts, public benefit contributions, and the investment mechanism, and responded to questions from participants. The Urban Development Department noted that inquiries regarding the investment documents may be submitted to the city government by January 29, 2026, with consolidated responses to be issued by February 28, 2026. The Chiayi City Government will hold a second investment briefing on January 28, 2026, at the Le Méridien Taipei, and invites interested enterprises to participate in advancing urban development and enhancing the city’s livability and competitiveness.

From Age-Friendly to All-Age Friendly: Chiayi City Advances Long-Term Care Policies in Response to a Super-Aged Society   Post Date: January 14, 2026 Issued by: Social Affairs Department  / Tourism and Information Department As Taiwan approaches a super-aged society, the Chiayi City Government, in collaboration with the All-Age Diverse Learning and Development Association, held the “Chiayi City Super-Aged Society Response Strategy Seminar” on January 14 at the Hsinyue Garden Hotel to discuss strategies for healthy aging, aging in place, age-friendly environments, and community-based care. Mayor Huang Min-hui emphasized that “an age-friendly city is an all-age-friendly city.” She noted that Chiayi City has steadily advanced long-term care and age-friendly policies by integrating social welfare and health resources, strengthening cross-department collaboration, and drawing on international experience. The city continues to refine its policies through practical implementation to address rapid demographic changes. The Health Bureau reported that Chiayi City was designated by the Executive Yuan in 2000 as a pilot community for Taiwan’s long-term care system, laying an important foundation for subsequent policy development. According to the bureau, the city currently has 52,051 residents aged 65 and over, accounting for 19.9 percent of the total population. In response, and in line with the central government’s Long-Term Care Ten-Year Plan 3.0, the city is promoting community-based services and a community symbiosis approach to support aging in place. The seminar focused on three key themes: “Local Application of Long-Term Care 3.0 Policies,” “New Options for Senior Housing,” and “Practicing Community Symbiosis in a Super-Aged Society.” The city government stated that it will continue to adopt an all-age perspective to create an inclusive and livable urban environment for residents of all generations.  

Mayor Huang and Diocese Mobilize Community for Charity Hike to Upgrade Care Home Facilities   Post Date: January 10, 2026 Social Affairs Department / Tourism and Information Department To support the replacement of aging air conditioning and heating equipment at the Sacred Heart Developmental Center, the Catholic Diocese of Chiayi Early Childhood Education Development Center, along with its partner kindergartens, launched a life education initiative centered on the theme “God’s Love.” Through the “Love Piggy Bank” fundraising campaign, young children were encouraged to place part of their allowance—given by their parents—into piggy banks, learning the values of sharing and giving through concrete action. The campaign culminated today (January 10) with the “Hand in Hand, Walking Together in Love” Family Charity Walk, held at Chiayi Park. In the presence of Mayor Huang Min-hui, Bishop Norbert Pu of the Catholic Diocese of Chiayi, Msgr. Stefano Mazzotti, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature to Taiwan, and distinguished guests, kindergarten principals, and child representatives formally presented the donations to the Sacred Heart Developmental Center. A total of more than 1,500 love piggy banks were distributed during the campaign, raising NT$400,000 in charitable funds. Mayor Huang also donated an additional NT$50,000 on behalf of the citizens of Chiayi City, conveying warmth and care to the children served by the center. Mayor Huang remarked that God’s love is ever-present and watches over every family, reflecting on her own upbringing within the Catholic education system and the deep impression left by the spirit of selfless dedication in education. She thanked Bishop Pu for rallying the education community at a time when the Sacred Heart Developmental Center is in urgent need of resources, noting that this initiative nurtures compassion from early childhood and accompanies those most in need of care. The Mayor emphasized that the campaign, initiated by early childhood education institutions and spanning kindergartens across Chiayi City, Chiayi County, and Yunlin County, was especially moving as children contributed their own savings. Beyond material support, she said, the effort embodied love in action and character education. Despite the chilly morning weather, Mayor Huang noted that the children’s innocence and the collective goodwill of participants shone like sunshine, warming hearts and bringing hope to many. Bishop Pu expressed gratitude to Mayor Huang for her long-standing support of Catholic services in Chiayi City, including healthcare, education, social welfare, and early childhood education. He noted that the funds raised came from children across three counties, each contribution representing a heartfelt act of kindness for the most vulnerable. With the Sacred Heart Developmental Center facing urgent renovation needs due to aging facilities, the combined donations—along with Mayor Huang’s additional contribution—will help provide warmth and comfort during the winter months. On behalf of the Catholic Church, Bishop Pu extended his sincere thanks and blessings to all the children and supporters who made the campaign possible. The event also featured a variety of interactive activities, including educational booths, physical challenges, and puzzle-based games, allowing children to complete tasks alongside their families. These activities not only eased the fatigue of walking but also strengthened parent-child bonds. In addition, the Sacred Heart Developmental Center established a “Disability Experience Zone,” where children learned through play about the daily challenges faced by individuals with visual or physical disabilities, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect. Located in Gangqian Village, Dongshi Township, Chiayi County, the Sacred Heart Developmental Center was founded by Father Franz Burkhardt as an expression of God’s love and is the first officially registered welfare institution for people with disabilities in Chiayi County. Dedicated to caring for individuals with severe and profound multiple disabilities, the center has received multiple “Excellent” ratings from the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Department of Social and Family Affairs. However, due to the advanced age of its facilities, the air-conditioning and heating systems in its residential buildings are no longer functional. With increasingly extreme weather conditions, the lack of proper climate control poses serious health risks to the center’s middle-aged and elderly residents—making the recent support all the more timely and meaningful.