swiss label - Com Consulting SA

Mayor Moreno Colombo and the city council elected in 2008 have a single objective: to drive forward a development and
upgrade project for Chiasso, a densely populated and dynamic conglomeration which has always had to deal with the
opportunities and problems that result from being a “border town”. Urban reorganisation, cultural and sporting activities,
collaboration with businesses and the banking sector are the mainstays of this new way of understanding politics, one that
favours synergies and collaboration.
Abasic portrait of Chiasso can be painted in a few figures: a population
which during the day reaches 13-14’000 inhabitants,
6 thousand jobs, making it the canton’s second financial centre,
a per capita debt of 1’360 Swiss francs, markedly lower than the cantonal
average, and a tax multiplier of 85%, which the city council intends to
maintain, above all at a time that is difficult for citizens and businesses
coping with the effects of the economic recession. A city which, under
the leadership of Moreno Colombo and his colleagues, is going through
a period of social, cultural, commercial and structural upheaval. A new
dynamism and a new confidence in the potentials of this key commune,
which go hand in hand with the business of upgrading the urban infrastructure.
Projects such as those in the Soldini district, or the initiation
of building projects in collaboration with private developers, are all
catalysts in a trend that is seeing many people returning to live in Chiasso.
Other important components along this route to growth are the cultural
and sporting initiatives. The first of these are unfolding at the Cinema
Teatro, the Spazio Officina and the Max Museo, with exhibitions,
events, performances and shows of various kinds on offer all the year
round. At a sporting level, Chiasso most definitely has a relevant role
as it provides local companies and residents from all over the region
with a considerable amount of infrastructure: 5 football pitches, an ice
rink, swimming pool (a covered pool is in the process of construction),
the “Palapenz” where basketball games are held (notably those of the
Swiss Label Ticino 2010
Chiasso
Regional centre looks to the future
prestigious team SAV Vacallo), bowls, indoor football, 2 sports halls
(plus another one under construction), 9 tennis courts and a new
athletics track.
As part of this development project on a human scale, Chiasso also offers
various leisure facilities through the many dynamic local associations
and in areas such as Penz, the city’s green lung with its many relaxing
walks and a fitness trail.
Also of fundamental importance to the authorities is the implementation
of an adequate social policy, directed not only towards people in difficulty,
but also towards the young and the elderly, through the development of
efficient community services, and with the involvement of associations
and private individuals.
The objective of achieving a quality of life that is capable of attracting
new citizens and new businesses, with the job creation that this brings,
is being pursued – as the mayor explains – through a policy that rejects
any desire for self-seeking in favour of dialogue and concrete action.
In the interests not only of the city, but of the entire region, Chiasso aims
to be worthy of the title of regional centre by carrying out practical
and sustainable projects which reconcile the needs of both citizens and
the economy, while paying particular attention to protecting the
environment.
© DR
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