The city of Lugano, Switzerland, in collaboration with Tether, has officially announced the commencement of Plan ₿ Phase 2. Running from 2026 to 2030, this strategic initiative involves a joint investment of up to CHF 5 million aimed at enhancing the city’s digital infrastructure and technological autonomy. Building upon the foundations laid in 2022, the second phase seeks to solidify Lugano's position as a global hub for blockchain innovation and digital sovereignty through the integration of decentralized technologies into urban governance.
Five Strategic Pillars of Digital Evolution
The development roadmap for Phase 2 is structured around five primary objectives designed to foster a comprehensive Web3 ecosystem. These directions focus on moving beyond simple payment integration toward a fully decentralized urban environment.
- Infrastructure for digital asset management and automated financial systems.
- The creation of a specialized hub for digital trade and commodity processing.
- Implementation of privacy-preserving digital identity systems for citizens.
- Development of a local Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous agent network.
- Expansion of distributed urban digital infrastructure to ensure data resilience.
By focusing on these areas, the partnership aims to reduce reliance on centralized providers while enhancing the efficiency of municipal services through automated smart contracts and distributed ledger technology (DLT).
A Proven Track Record of Crypto Adoption
Since the initial launch of Plan ₿ in 2022, Lugano has achieved significant milestones in cryptocurrency integration. Currently, more than 400 local merchants accept payments in Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USD₮), and the local stablecoin LVGA. Furthermore, the city has successfully piloted programs allowing residents to pay municipal fees using digital assets and has pioneered the issuance of digital bonds on blockchain platforms.
The goal is to strengthen the city's digital sovereignty and technological autonomy through the development of infrastructure that serves both the public and private sectors
The continuation of this partnership underscores a long-term commitment to the digitization of the Swiss economy. As Lugano prepares for the 2026–2030 period, the focus shifts toward more complex integrations, such as autonomous agents and distributed networks, which could serve as a blueprint for other municipalities globally. The collaborative investment ensures that the city remains at the forefront of the financial technology sector while providing practical utility for its citizens and businesses.
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