In this year’s national business climate survey Insikt 2025, the municipality ranks fourth in Sweden – while undergoing a major local transformation that places high demands on municipal resources.

The survey, conducted by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), measures how businesses perceive municipal service and regulatory authority. The results show that Boden not only maintains a high level of performance, but also stands out for its consistency over time.

– This is a very strong result. We are in the middle of a historically extensive societal transformation affecting the entire municipal organisation, yet we still manage to maintain such a high level of quality in our regulatory work. This shows that we have robust processes and a clear direction in our work, says Magnus Åkerlund, Municipal Chief Executive of Boden Municipality.

Consistently strong results across multiple areas

Boden achieves a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI/NKI) score of 87 and ranks fourth nationally. The municipality is also part of an exclusive group with high results across all key regulatory areas – something only a few municipalities in Sweden achieve.

These areas include building permits, environmental and public health protection, food safety inspections and alcohol licensing – all critical to the everyday operations and growth of businesses.

At the same time, Boden continues to perform strongly in specific areas. Within land allocation, the municipality ranks second in Sweden.

– Regulatory authority is at the core of the municipality’s role in relation to the business community. Receiving such high ratings shows that we are perceived as both legally secure and efficient, which is crucial for companies to establish and grow here.

Contact between businesses and the municipality often occurs in situations where the municipality acts as a regulatory authority – for example in permits or inspections. These interactions are crucial to how the business climate is perceived, as companies cannot turn to another provider.

That Boden continues to receive high ratings indicates strong trust in these relationships.

In the midst of a historic transformation

The results are particularly notable given the extensive development currently taking place in Boden. The green industrial transition, with major new establishments and a rapidly growing population, is placing increased pressure on the municipal organisation.

– We are growing rapidly, and that puts demands on every part of our organisation. That is why I am especially proud of how our employees continue to deliver high quality in their interactions with businesses, despite heavy workloads and many parallel processes, says Magnus Åkerlund.

Pride in our employees

Behind the results lies long-term organisational work, where competence, collaboration and service are key factors.

– At its core, this is the result of our employees’ work. It is about professional officials who meet businesses every day with knowledge, respect and a solution-oriented mindset. That is where trust is built – in every single case, says Magnus Åkerlund.