In modern conditions, municipalities independently form a strategy for the development of rural areas, while taking into account the lack of resources and focus on innovation. This leads to the need to switch to a new method of managing the socio-economic development of a rural settlement.Начало формыКонец формы However, there is no clear definition of the essence of the concept of "socio-economic development of a rural municipality" in the literature, so the article analyzes the authors ' opinions. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of existing definitions, the author's definition of this concept is given.Начало формыКонец формы The general and specific features of the program of socio-economic development of a rural municipality are identified. In the course of the study, special attention is paid to the stages of formation of the concept of socio-economic development of a rural municipality. Начало формыКонец формыThe article presents an example of the formation of the concept of socio-economic development of a municipality, based on one of the most acceptable methods in the current situation. The main forming elements of the concept of economic development of a specific rural territory are considered in detail and their interrelation is revealed.