CONDITIONS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE WARMIA AND MAZURY VOIVODESHIP (POLAND) IN THE OPINION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES

The aim of the paper was to identify positive as well as negative local development factors in the opinion of the authorities (mayors) of rural and semi-urban (urban-rural) municipalities in the Warmia and Mazury Voivodeship, Poland. The research was based on a survey within local authorities of the Warmia and Mazury region and was carried out in 2017. The results show that the local authorities have been aware of numerous opportunities and barriers of local economic development. Sometimes, if there is one barrier, it causes the formation of new ones, for example the shortage of own financial resources or municipal debt make it impossible to finance investments from the local budget or to apply for EU funds, which require co-financing from the beneficiary's own resources. Most of mayors make efforts to mitigate exogenous conditions by local activeness, such as co-operation with neighbouring or foreign municipalities or offering preferential tax rates to investors. Municipal authorities perceive the opportunity in applying for EU funds for projects aimed at improving the quality of life of local communities, including the development of technical and social infrastructure.