Local Economy Projects: The Second Round of Selections Has Been Announced!

For the second consecutive year, the ECOPROX call for projects, launched last November, was a great success. Of the 37 applications received, eight initiatives that promote local businesses and consumption, in line with sustainable development principles, were selected. Co-financed by the federal government for a total of 166,000 francs, this second round of selections gives pride of place to initiatives that support our cantonal economy.

As part of the priorities outlined in the regions’ strategic positioning agreements, the ECOPROX program aims to support initiatives that foster local commerce, revitalize city and village centers, promote local consumption, and stimulate partnerships. Following the “I’m Taking Action for My Canton” campaign—launched last year to support our local economy, which has been severely impacted by the current crisis—the State Council expedited the process of issuing a second call for projects, just one year after launching the ECOPROX program in 2019.

This second call for projects was also a great success, with 37 high-quality proposals submitted for this new edition. Among all these creative and enthusiastic initiatives, eight projects were selected for a total investment of more than 630,000 francs, including 166,000 francs co-financed through the ECOPROX program. Selected based on a multi-criteria analysis—which took into account, in particular, sustainable development issues and the risks of local competition—these initiatives all contribute to building a more responsible and inclusive society and to maximizing the local circulation of wealth. The presentation document attached to this press release provides a more detailed overview of the various approaches that were selected.

With the approval of an 800,000-franc appropriation on June 17, 2019, to fund local economic projects as part of the stimulus program, the State Council signaled its intention to continue the ECOPROX program in the years to come as well. Additional calls for projects will therefore be issued during the upcoming legislative term. Indeed, the program’s objectives and the projects being implemented are perfectly aligned with the canton’s current and future challenges.

 

 

For more information, please see the presentation materials.