Once again, Leader Bergslagen's project has been selected among the best in Sweden!
In connection with this year's National Leader Meeting in Sunne, the association Local Development Sweden, LUS, awards Sweden's best Leader project 2026.
https://lokalutvecklingsverige.se/arets-basta-leaderprojekt-2026/
All 40 leader areas in Sweden have been able to nominate their best projects, and a jury has then selected three finalists in each category. The winners will be presented at an award gala on October 8.
What is LUS?
Local Development Sweden is an association for organizations that work with rural development through the leader method. The award ”Sweden's best Leader project” is given in two categories; Project of the Year and Young Leader Project of the Year. What all finalists have in common is that they demonstrate how faith in the future can be translated into action.
– Rural development is not just about investments and project money. It is about people who feel pride in and take responsibility for their place and build something together. And that is exactly what this year's finalists are doing, says Christer Yrjas, managing director of Local Development Sweden.
The jury consists of representatives from the Rural Network, the Federation of Community Centers, the Federation of Archipelagos, Coompanion, Tidningen LAND, Region Värmland, and SLU.
Nominated Project of the Year 2026
ÖverKalix is excellent”The project is a pioneer for important work that needs to be done throughout the leader area, to work systematically to increase immigration and highlight our beautiful living environments. The project's activities also show how it is possible to effectively utilize the resources that already exist in the municipality.”
Service Place Dyrön”Through strong local collaboration and over 1,000 volunteer working hours, Dyrön has created a long-term solution that strengthens service, preparedness, and tourism. The project shows how a small island community can develop sustainable shared resources that benefit residents, associations, businesses, and visitors.”
Prepared Villages – a preparedness project across municipal borders”Prepared Villages has changed the view of local preparedness. From being about resources and plans to being about people, trust, and action. The project has inspired regional, national, and international actors and shows how Leader can create social change far beyond the project's geographical area.”
Nominated Young Leader Project of the Year 2026
The Musical Annie 
”The project is proof that you should dare to put words to your dreams! A group of young people at the cultural school mentioned the musical dream to just the right adults who picked up the idea. Together, an association was formed, funding was sought, and all free time was spent rehearsing the script and dance choreography. The volunteer value far exceeded the monetary amount.”
Meeting Place Gällivare – E-sports center”Behind the project is a young and incredibly driven girl who has engaged many people and built a broad network around the initiative. It is positive with a community initiative in an area that is new and growing. E-sports is an important interest to support as there has been a lack of meeting places for the target group.”
Karsholm's Pike Factory”Ruben's enormous drive to make a difference is impressive. Ruben had an idea, formed an association to be able to push the issue further, and sought project support together with an adult mentor to, in collaboration with experts in fish conservation and local residents, carry out the establishment of the reproduction area and document the work in a film.”
Last year, Leader Bergslagen won in BOTH categories
Go-karts for everyone
The winner in the category Leader Project of the Year 2025 was Go-karts for everyone with the motivation: "An inclusive project with momentum and enthusiasm that puts the town on the map and shows that together you can fulfill dreams and create real participation!"”
See the winning video on Youtube:
Pennysound Bergslagen
The winner in the category Leader Project of the Year – by young people for young people was Pennysound Bergslagen with the motivation: "Music unites, democracy grows and young leadership takes place. A project that makes a difference far beyond the studio."”
See The winning video on Youtube: