Meeting of the Social Committee Held as Part of the „Impulse for Dębica – A Comprehensive Urban Development Programme” Project
On April 29, a meeting of the Social Committee operating within the project „Impulse for Dębica – A Comprehensive Urban Development Programme” was held. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the ongoing activities related to the implementation of the project and to define directions for further cooperation aimed at the city’s development and strengthening social dialogue.
During the meeting, participants discussed effective ways of implementing the project’s objectives and carrying out activities that respond to the needs of residents. An important part of the discussion also focused on cooperation with local communities and stakeholders, as well as building transparent communication and mutual trust within the implemented activities.
The Social Committee consists of 13 members representing various local communities, including residents, social organizations, the education sector, culture, and business. Committee members actively participate in the planning and implementation of activities that have a real impact on the future of Dębica.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the City of Dębica and Dębica County, advisors from the Association of Polish Cities, and members of the Social Committee.
The “Impuls for Dębica” project is based on broad cooperation between local government, residents, and local partners to ensure that the developed solutions respond to the real needs of the local community.
“Impulse for Dębica” Has Become a Reality! Agreement Signed for the Largest Development Project in the City’s History
On April 1 in Tarnów, Mateusz Kutrzeba, Mayor of the City of Dębica, and Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, in the presence of the Ambassador of Switzerland to Poland, Fabrice Filliez, signed an agreement for the implementation of the project “Impulse for Dębica – a comprehensive urban development program”. With this signing, the investment officially enters the implementation stage.
Thanks to the funding obtained from the Swiss Funds under the Polish-Swiss City Development Program, Dębica will carry out activities related to the development of entrepreneurship, education and vocational training, public transport, public safety, healthcare, social services, and modern e-services.
As part of the program, new spaces for entrepreneurs will be created, support services for residents will be expanded, further investments in public transport will be introduced, and municipal services will become more accessible and modern.
Cooperation for Development – Partnership Agreement Signed
The Municipality of the City of Dębica and the Dębica County have signed a partnership agreement under the project „Impulse for Dębica – A Comprehensive Urban Development Programme”.
According to the adopted division of responsibilities, Dębica County, through its subordinate institutions – the Vocational Training Center, the District Labour Office, and the Health Care Complex – will implement activities in the areas of healthcare, upper-secondary education, and social support. The cooperation also includes initiatives aimed at strengthening access to public services and improving the quality of life of residents.
The project includes, among others:
▪️ modernization of the observation, infectious diseases, and liver diseases ward at the Health Care Complex in Dębica
▪️ purchase of specialist equipment for the Nursing and Care Facility in Straszęcin
▪️ additional equipment for the cardiology department of the Health Care Complex in Dębica
▪️ purchase of highly specialized equipment for the ophthalmology department of the Health Care Complex in Dębica
▪️ upgrading equipment at Vocational Training Center No. 1 in Dębica
▪️ vocational training programs for students and adults (District Labour Office)
▪️ initiatives promoting professional activation of residents (District Labour Office and Vocational Training Center)
Such a broad scope of cooperation represents a coherent and comprehensive approach to the needs of residents, combining the development of healthcare, educational, and social services.
“Impuls dla Dębicy” Gains Momentum!
On March 10, 2026, the first meeting of the Team for the Implementation of the project “Impulse for Dębica – a comprehensive city development program” was held at the Dębica City Hall. The project is being implemented under the Polish-Swiss City Development Program.
During the meeting, key aspects of the program were discussed, including the management structure, the implementation schedule, the responsibilities of team members, project implementation principles, as well as the communication and promotion plan.
This marks an important step in the implementation of the project, which aims to support the development of Dębica and undertake initiatives that respond to the needs of its residents.
2nd Meeting of the Social Committee under the Polish-Swiss City Development Program
On February 25, 2026, the 2nd meeting of the Social Committee under the Polish-Swiss City Development Program was held online. The meeting was opened by Deputy Mayor of Dębica, Małgorzata Rauch, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between various communities and stakeholders in the implementation of the project.
The meeting was chaired by Paweł Werbowy, who presented the role and operating principles of the Social Committee. A proposed working model was introduced, including regular meetings and evaluation activities. During the session, participants also discussed the scope of activities planned within the “Impulse for Dębica” project, covering areas such as vocational education development, entrepreneurship, public safety, urban mobility, healthcare, and social integration.
The Committee members responded positively to the presented proposals and approved the directions for further activities. The meeting had an organizational character and served as an introduction to the Committee’s future work during the implementation of the project.
It’s Official! Nearly PLN 90 Million for Dębica under the Polish-Swiss City Development Program
The Steering Committee of the Polish-Swiss City Development Program has announced the finalist cities and given the green light for signing funding agreements. Among them is Dębica with the project “Impulse for Dębica”.
The project includes key development initiatives, such as:
✅ establishment of the Dębica Business Incubator and strengthening of the local economy
✅ development of vocational education and support for young people in acquiring future-oriented skills
✅ expansion of the public safety system – monitoring, SOS columns, and modern equipment for the Municipal Police
✅ purchase of 8 electric buses and development of environmentally friendly public transport
✅ modernization of medical infrastructure and additional equipment for hospital departments
✅ reintegration activities and development of the Social Integration Center
✅ establishment of the Dębica Center for Social Activity, Volunteering, and Innovation
“Impulse for Dębica – a comprehensive urban development program” is an investment in the future – in a city that is developing with its residents and future generations in mind.
Deputy Mayor Małgorzata Rauch on a Study Visit to Switzerlan
From November 17–21, 2025, the Deputy Mayor of Dębica, Małgorzata Rauch, took part in a study visit to Fribourg and Morat/Murten in Switzerland. The trip was part of the preparations for the implementation of the “Impulse for Dębica” project, which will soon be carried out in our city thanks to funding from the Swiss Funds. Participation in the visit provided an opportunity to learn about proven and modern solutions used by Swiss local governments, particularly in the areas of spatial planning, social policy, education, and energy management.
Meetings at Fribourg City Hall
On the first day, the delegation was welcomed by representatives of the city and the Archivum Helveto-Polonicum Foundation during a meeting combined with a historical walking tour of Fribourg. The following morning, participants were officially received at the town hall by Mayor Thierry Steiert, who presented the key development directions of Fribourg and the challenges faced by the local government.
Renewable Energy
During the first session, local district heating systems, projects involving the installation of photovoltaic panels on municipal buildings, and energy-efficiency solutions were discussed. The meetings had a practical focus and showcased models of cooperation with residents and entrepreneurs.
Innovation and Development of New Districts
The next session took place at the BlueFactory innovation space, where the delegation was introduced to a project transforming post-industrial areas into a modern innovation district. The concept of the “sponge city,” supporting sustainable water management and retention, was also presented.
Social Cohesion
On Wednesday, participants learned about Swiss solutions in the field of social policy. Discussions covered strategies such as “Early Childhood” and “Seniors,” as well as migration management. The remainder of the day included a visit to the Caserne La Poya complex, where integration projects and initiatives strengthening social cohesion were presented.
Morat/Murten – Education, Heritage, and Municipal Economy
The fourth day of the visit was dedicated to the city of Morat/Murten. The program included a city tour, presentations on tourism, culture, and local heritage initiatives, as well as a visit to a vocational education center and discussions on cooperation between schools and local businesses. An important part of the program was also a visit to the Southern Seeland Wastewater Management Association, where participants were introduced to the intermunicipal wastewater management system and modern energy-production solutions.
Summary of the Visit
The participation of Deputy Mayor Małgorzata Rauch in the study visit is an important part of the preparations for implementing the “Impulse for Dębica” project, which will be one of the city’s key development initiatives in the coming years. The knowledge gained, best practices observed, and direct contacts established with Swiss experts will provide valuable support in creating modern, sustainable, and socially beneficial solutions for Dębica.
Take Part in the Survey! Help Shape the Future of Dębica.
The City of Dębica has qualified for the next stage of the Polish-Swiss City Development Program, under which it may receive nearly PLN 80 million for investment and social projects aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
To ensure that the planned activities are best suited to the needs of residents, we kindly ask you to complete an anonymous survey.
Your responses will help us identify which projects are the most important for Dębica in areas such as education, safety, transport, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social integration.
🕒 The survey is available until October 26, 2025.
📋 Completing it takes approximately 10 minutes.
Thank you for your voice and involvement in the development of our city!
Together we are creating the #IMPULS DLA DĘBICY – KOMPLEKSOWY PROGRAM ROZWOJU MIASTA.
Social Committee Appointed for the “Impulse for Dębica” Project
On October 14, 2025, the Mayor of Dębica, by virtue of Ordinance No. 322/2025, established the Social Committee for the project „Impulse for Dębica – A Comprehensive Urban Development Programme”.
The Committee serves as an advisory and consultative body whose role is to support the implementation of the project under the Polish-Swiss City Development Program. Its purpose is to ensure the active participation of residents, social organizations, and local communities in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities carried out within the project.
The Committee consists of 13 members representing various social groups, including residents, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, educational communities, youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and local leaders.
The Committee’s main responsibilities include:
– participating in public consultations and meetings with the implementation team,
– reviewing documents and recommending solutions supporting project implementation,
– monitoring progress and proposing improvements,
– promoting the principles of partnership, equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development,
– supporting the project’s information, promotional, and educational activities.
The Committee will operate on a voluntary basis, without remuneration, and will meet at least once every quarter. Its work will be open and transparent.
Thanks to the establishment of the Social Committee, the “Impulse for Dębica” project will gain an additional mechanism for involving residents in the decision-making process, strengthening the idea of partnership and shared responsibility for the city’s development.
Members of the Social Committee
- Paweł Werbowy – Dębica Business Club
- Łukasz Darłak – Dębica Industrial Park
- Stanisław Cabaj – Dębica Industrial Park
- Dominika Marć – Dębica Development Academy
- Paweł Hipszer – Healthcare Team in Dębica
- Paweł Morawczyński – “Radość” Association in Dębica
- Paweł Kudroń – “PRO EUROPAE BONO” Foundation
- Miłosz Grzyb – Dębica Youth
- Jan Moskal – State Fire Service
- Łukasz Szuba – Education Support Foundation at the Aviation Valley Association
- Anna Kużmik – Green Dębica Association
- Małgorzata Dąbrowska – Expert Team “Women for the Development of Dębica”
- Radosław Mrozowicz – Forum for Cooperation and Development Association
Mateusz Kutrzeba on development through education, healthcare, and environmental protection thanks to #SwissFunds
Launch of Stage II of the Program – Dębica Among the Leaders of Development
On September 9, 2025, the conference “Start to Success – Complete Project Proposal” was held in Warsaw, officially inaugurating the second stage of the Polish-Swiss City Development Program. Representatives of the 19 finalist cities attended the event, including Dębica, which ranked second in the nationwide ranking.
The conference had a workshop format — representatives of local governments participated in expert sessions and individual consultations with advisors from the Association of Polish Cities, the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, and Swiss partners. The meeting gave cities an opportunity to exchange experiences, refine project assumptions, and plan further activities.
While preparing the “Impulse for Dębica” project, Dębica is focusing on strengthening entrepreneurship, revitalizing urban spaces, and supporting residents’ activity and engagement. The next step will be the submission of the Complete Project Proposal by November 17, 2025.
The projects will be implemented until the end of March 2029.
Dębica on the Podium of the Polish-Swiss City Development Program
On August 1, 2025, the Steering Committee of the Polish-Swiss City Development Program announced the ranking list of local governments qualified for the next stage of the call for proposals. Out of 119 cities that submitted their proposals, 19 medium-sized cities advanced to the final stage, with Dębica ranking 2nd nationwide.
This is a major distinction for our city, which, thanks to the “Impulse for Dębica” project, now has the opportunity to secure nearly PLN 80 million in funding.
The program supports local governments in implementing initiatives aimed at improving residents’ quality of life, developing local economies, protecting the environment, and strengthening social potential.
Dębica has joined the prestigious group of cities that will prepare detailed Complete Project Proposals in the coming months. Following their evaluation, final funding for the implementation of the investments will be awarded.