Lombardy social welfare and urban policy discussions

In late October 2026, social workers and municipal leaders in Lombardy convened in Tremezzo to discuss the future of social policies. The conference, titled “From Tremezzo to the Future,” commemorated 80 years since the transition of Italian welfare toward formal citizenship rights. During the event, Simona Regondi, president of CROAS Lombardia, characterized social workers as “operators of democracy” and cautioned against using the profession as a scapegoat for political issues. Mauro Guerra, president of ANCI Lombardia, highlighted a significant financial gap, noting that while municipalities spend over 9 billion euros on welfare, officially recognized needs are recorded at under 5 billion euros.

Following these discussions, professional forums were scheduled for November in Milan and Lecco. In Lecco, a conference held at the Politecnico di Milano campus focused on the implementation of disability reform and the development of person-centered life projects. Organized by ATS Brianza and Auser Provinciale di Lecco, the event included Lecco Prefect Paolo Giuseppe Alfredo Ponta, Politecnico Pro-Rector Marco Tarabini, and Mayor Filippo Boscagli. Discussions emphasized creating an integrated network between healthcare, local government, and the third sector to promote autonomy for people with disabilities.

Additionally, Mayor Boscagli presented a strategic mandate for Lecco through 2031. This plan focuses on six strategic axes, including urban development, city attractiveness, and improved governance, aiming to strengthen collaboration between the municipality, province, and regional institutions to rebuild the local economic and social system.