<p>The current research features approaches to solving the problems associated with a decline in the development of old industrial sectors in single-industry towns (monocities, or monocommunities). The target of the study is to show the necessity of strategic approach and interaction of all management levels. Particular attention is paid to resource-dependent communities. Enterprises of mineral resources sector have limits of effective development, associated with gradual depletion of their resource base. Diversification and modernization of the economy of resource-dependent communities are logically linked to a timely achieving of strategic objectives to ensure their long-term sustainable development. Strategic aspects are also important for development planning in the sphere of new raw material deposits. A comprehensive analysis should help avoid the risks of creating new monocommunities with a poor prospect of long-term development. The article includes an analysis of international experience of Germany, Canada, and China. It is shown that a progress in solving the problems of company towns heavily depends on a strategic partnership between the federal, the regional, and the municipal governments, as well as on their collaboration with business. A conclusion is made that a uniform strategy for the development of various single-industry towns does not exist. The choice of the way of the development for each particular monotown is determined<br />by its socio-economic characteristics. Among those, remoteness or proximity to large urban agglomerations, industry affiliation and prospects for the development of the cityforming<br />enterprise, opportunities for economic diversification, investment potential and opportunities for attracting investors are of paramount importance. The process of positive changes, as a rule, is slow and complicated. Thence, it is important to justify the purpose and ways to achieve it. As a rule, extrapolation methods do not work in this case</p>