The purpose of the article is to reveal scientific and applied approaches to the formation of programs for the integrated socioeconomic development of united territorial communities (UTC), taking into account the risks of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research methods. The dialectical toolkit is the basis for the knowledge of the processes and phenomena of spatial development; the monographic method is applied to the analysis of the basic principles of the formation of programs for the integrated socio-economic development of UTC; empirical observations contributed to an overall assessment of the state of the UTC response to the challenges associated with the spread of coronavirus disease; abstract-logical techniques made it possible to do scientific and applied generalizations of the material and formulate final conclusions. Research results. It has been proven that the strategic objectives of the programs for the integrated socio-economic development of the UTC should also be a timely response to force majeure circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Their role in protecting the life and health of the rural population should increase significantly. In addition, the focus of attention should always be the resource base for the implementation of powers through the development of agricultural production and other types of diversified activities, as well as the creation of a favorable environment for decent living conditions, all-round personal development and recreation. It is proposed to develop an analytical and statistical method for measuring the human development index (HDI) in the context of rural UTC, taking as a basis the Method for measuring regional human development (RHD), approved by the Presidium of the NAS of Ukraine and the board of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine dated 13.06.2012 No. 123. Scientific novelty. The indicators for assessing the level of the socio-economic state of UTC in key areas have been generalized. The goals and principles that should form the basis of national programs to support balanced rural development have been clarified. Practical significance. The applied aspects of the study can be taken into account in the formation of programs for the integrated socio-economic development of the UTC, which will increase the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at supporting the village and increase the readiness of the rural population for force majeure threats. Tabl.: 1. Figs.: 6. Refs.: 14
united territorial communities; local and state programs of socio-economic development; resource potential of the territory; balanced rural development; level and quality of life of the rural population