Abstract
<jats:p>The article examines the role of small towns in the Belgorod region within the paradigm of municipal management as an object of economic science. Against the backdrop of the ongoing trend of population concentration in major urban centers of Russia, the article focuses on the problem of depopulation and the decline in economic potential faced by small towns, which challenges their sustainable development. The study analyzes the structure of municipal entities in the Belgorod region, identifying negative trends exacerbated by limited resources, high dependence on financial transfers, insufficient economic diversification, and the current geopolitical situation. The authors emphasize that effective municipal management is a critical instrument for optimizing the use of available resources and creating a favorable environment for economic growth and development, tailored to the specific conditions of small towns. In this context, an adaptive management model is proposed, taking into account the priority role of the agro-industrial complex (AIC) in the region's economy. The model aims to enhance the competitiveness of local producers, improve the quality of life of the population, and establish a sustainable economic base. The importance of involving the business community and the public in management processes, as well as the rapid decision-making, especially in the border municipalities, which require special status and attention, is emphasized.</jats:p>