Development strategy aims to study and regulate the management processes of a territory and also to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics. It is considered a functional tool for analyzing and evaluating the effects that the specific actions of the different factors involved can have on the territory. SWOT analysis of mountain cities is a strategic planning technique that, on the one hand, evaluates internal and external factors, current and future potential, and, on the other hand, identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This is very important in the formulation and selection of the territorial development strategy, being considered a powerful tool, a guide, with the help of which the decision-making factors and actors involved in local development (authorities, population, universities, research and development companies, innovative clusters, NGOs etc.). The present poster aims to present a theoretical and methodological framework for the SWOT analysis and a practical application aimed at the local economic aspects of the Vatra Dornei municipality. The subject of the analysis is located in the west and south-west of Suceava County, overlapping the intramountain depression of Dornelor.