Årets by

Årets by is an annual award given by Östersund municipality to a village association that has distinguished itself in development work. The award recognizes associations that have sustainably raised their village's value by developing housing, employment, services, cohesion, re-migration, leisure activities, or other forms of development that benefit the municipality's residents. Special consideration is given to small associations that have made relatively large contributions with limited resources, with particular emphasis on cohesion and cooperation within the village and the association. The winning association receives 40,000 Swedish kronor to be used for purposes that benefit the village's residents and the area's development, along with a diploma. Additionally, throughout the year, the Municipal Director, along with the Municipal Council's chairperson and the Development Committee's chairperson, will visit the awarded village to strengthen the connection between the municipality, rural areas, and civil society.