1. Politicians, city staff and businessmen often have different views of what could best help a city grow. When each group is asked to guess the priorities of the others, they fail miserably.

2. Current research has shown that a great deal of the development of a city is the result of contacts in informal networks.

A few years ago Vaxjo's chief executive, Marita Svensson therefore, with the support from the Information- and Economic Development Office invited 200 persons representing all aspect of life and business to a first meeting to form "Dynamic Vaxjo"- a network of citizens interested in the development of the municipality.

After an introduction dedicated people took charge of parallel sessions in all spheres of living and regional cooperation. Each topic come up with a list of short term and long term activities aimed at securing the continued growth of Vaxjo.

The municipal task given the highest priority by the groups was education. The most important deciding factors for a move to a new location is the quality of education for children and the availability of nice living quarters, and the job opportunities.

The municipality presented its long-term plans and Dynamic Vaxjo and the workgroups suggested priorities. Several items could be taken care of rapidly since funds were already allocated. For new non-budgeted suggestions the municipality offers to cover up to 50%. After this initial meeting workgroups were formed. Today the network consists of some 700 people representing business, the university, the municipality, the county council, organisations, societies and individuals. The network meets at least 4 times a year and the steering committees meet more often as required.

The brand name Dynamic Vaxjo is currently used for three key profile areas :-Vaxjo's attractive business climate, Education and The quality of life in Vaxjo

All aimed at attracting people and companies to Vaxjo and at strengthening its position as a regional centre in Southern Sweden.

by T Lennart Gardmark