Please note this is a `batch` call proposal, combining the Polkadot upgrade with the Statemint upgrade: 

- Batch call hash: `0xbf60cbdd406036e0b6a3028763bfe20d9569780c0ffddc75cf209358fce3111c`
- Call design: [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1emtVtvZ-4skQnKDJj5r0_fP1bm-q4l4l/view?usp=sharing).

The **Polkadot runtime** will be upgraded to **v9170** - Release notes, runtime changes and proposal hash can be found [HERE](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot/releases/tag/v0.9.17-rc4). This release improves the block time degradation issues, as seen [on Kusama](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot/issues/4911). It also includes new changes in the runtime: like optimised weights and contains the PR to fully enable the bags list on polkadot, which **removes the need of having a strict maximum count for nominators** and also fully alleviates the phantom nominator issue. Both of these are explained further [in the January issue of "Polkadot Staking Progress”](https://docs.google.com/document/d/12MPnxGzoiRcJJYAGOYVU8dGUkqybuhoQX7wg5ouGfgU/edit?usp=sharing). 
- Call hash for polkadot upgrade: `0x8eb2806cbdf1a4ba91334669b2476870134db3af5c77f418152af0ad354d3b32`
 
The **Statemint runtime** will be upgraded to [v700](https://github.com/paritytech/cumulus/releases/tag/parachains-v7.0.0-rc8):

-  The Uniques pallet includes an [extra storage item](https://github.com/paritytech/substrate/pull/9940) linking class owners to their NFT classes. This storage map comes in handy for UI developers, especially around the UX of creating and minting NFTs.

- With the inclusion of [Polkadot 4470](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot/pull/4470) and [Cumulus 831](https://github.com/paritytech/cumulus/pull/831), parachains that have HRMP channels with Statemint will finally be able to use them in both directions. For parachain developers, note that this is a breaking change and if you've used reserve backed transfers from Statemint then you will need to migrate some storage items.

- It addresses all issues found by independent auditors regarding the Statemint runtimes. For Statemint, this means that once teleportation is ready (pending some final disputes related features) it should be OK to lift the call filter restricting asset/unique creation, opening the door for fungible and non-fungible assets in the Polkadot network. 

As usual, the Statemint proposal will dispatch an `authorizeUpgrade` message. All info about the upgrade can be found on the link above. 

- Hash for XCM call (council motion) can be found [HERE](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BvnGFDK2KVjvFNMxs6qA9evkeSyniOdS/view?usp=sharing).
 - Hash: `0x8adb4ccdf996f05fa7941ce3b56ecec6dd49a88d9db445963e813ac10cadd326`.
- Encoded call: `0x01028adb4ccdf996f05fa7941ce3b56ecec6dd49a88d9db445963e813ac10cadd326`
- Runtime release can be found [HERE](https://github.com/paritytech/cumulus/releases/tag/parachains-v7.0.0-rc8).

Feel free to use srtool yourself to check the proposal hash. If passed by the Council, this proposal should be voted by the community and enacted after. Make sure to vote at your convenience!

The proposal encompasses two milestones: the first, completed by February 2023, concentrated on migrating Polkassembly to OpenGov, while the second, scheduled for June 2023, aims to deploy OpenGov for Polkadot and develop a delegation dashboard. Additionally, milestone 3 aims to enhance transparency and engagement within the Substrate Fellowship on Polkassembly. Note that milestone 3 isn't funded from this proposal.

Create 22 original articles, some of them translated to Czech.

Provide regular Weekly news.

Post 5 Governance news.

Co-organize 6 conferences involving Polkadot.

Host 8 Twitter spaces.

Create 48 Kusama & Polkadot weekly news articles.

Create 12 Governance news articles.

Host 12 Twitter spaces AMA.

Create 48 Twitter threads.

Write 24 articles about specific parachain or polkadot tech.

Organize 6 Polkadot meetups.

- Problem Statement: The Polkadot and Statemint runtimes require upgrades to improve block time degradation issues, optimize weights, enable the bags list on Polkadot, and address issues found by independent auditors. The intended audience is the Polkadot community, Council, and developers.
- Significance: The upgrades will enhance the performance and functionality of the Polkadot and Statemint runtimes, impacting the overall user experience and system efficiency.
- Proposed Solution: The Polkadot runtime will be upgraded to v9170, which includes optimized weights and enables the bags list on Polkadot. The Statemint runtime will be upgraded to v700, which includes an extra storage item for NFT classes and enables HRMP channels with Statemint in both directions.
- Expected Outcomes: The upgrades will alleviate the phantom nominator issue, remove the need for a strict maximum count for nominators, improve the UX of creating and minting NFTs, and enable the use of HRMP channels in both directions. This will enhance the functionality and efficiency of the Polkadot and Statemint runtimes.

Polkadot Runtime Upgrade to v9170 and Statemint Runtime Upgrade to v700

Council

#44 Polkadot Runtime Upgrade to v9170 and Statemint Runtime Upgrade to v700