Mayor’s proposal for Espoo Story 2025–2029: Espoo’s responsibility for the future of children and young people in Finland is emphasised

Espoo has rapidly grown into a city of 320,000 residents where diversity, nature and technology coexist. One in four Espoo residents speak a language other than Finnish or Swedish as their mother tongue. Relatively more children are born in Espoo than in other large cities in Finland – both now and in the future. Compared to other five biggest Finnish cities, Espoo has the highest proportion of children in its population. Espoo residents value the natural surroundings, safety and pleasant atmosphere of their hometown. Sports facilities, culture and events are also an important part of people’s daily lives.

Our growing city takes special responsibility for the wellbeing of children and young people, supports integration and embraces multilingualism. However, growth also poses economic challenges. Central government transfers have decreased and may decrease even further, even though the need for services and investments is increasing. This means that tough decisions and prioritisation are needed. The city’s growth must also be in balance with economic sustainability and the goals of creating pleasant and safe residential areas and maintaining the high quality of the cityscape.

At the same time, Espoo offers an environment for innovation and education, where technology companies, research institutes and Aalto University create international expertise. Our aim is to ensure that Espoo is a good place to live now and in the future – a city where we build the future together with our residents.

"In the coming years, more children will be born in Espoo than any other city in Finland. We have to work together to ensure a good future for them. As a growing city, Espoo also understands its responsibility as an engine of Finland’s economy. It is our job to ensure that businesses, communities, research institutes and universities have the conditions they need to succeed and that Espoo residents of all ages and backgrounds can lead safe and pleasant lives full of opportunities." – Kai Mykkänen, Mayor

The Espoo Story includes a roadmap that will help us achieve the city’s most important goals. The roadmap is divided into seven goals. They will steer the city’s operations, decision-making and development in the coming years.

1. In Espoo, all children and young people can succeed and fulfil their potential
2. Espoo grows in a controlled manner and all neighbourhoods are pleasant and safe
3. Espoo moves towards carbon neutrality and improves the natural environment
4. Espoo is the best place for innovation, business and employment
5. Espoo succeeds in the opportunities and challenges of internationalisation
6. In Espoo, we create enthusiasm and grow stronger together
7. Espoo’s economy is on a sustainable footing

The cross-administrative development programmes that support the goals will continue during the new council term. The programmes bring together various operators in Espoo and promote cooperation with residents, organisations and businesses. The development programmes focus on business, nature, community spirit and events.

You can read more about the Espoo Story and its goals in the attachments (in Finnish).

The Espoo Story has been created in cooperation with residents, city staff and elected officials. During the preparation process, residents were able to share their views through My Espoo surveys, workshops and residents’ events. Children and young people participated in the process as part of their school work.

"The preparation process was launched before my term as mayor started. It is wonderful that more than 10,000 people have participated in the process, including residents, companies, organisations and other partners. Our staff have also been actively involved. I want to thank everyone who has taken part in the preparation process." – Kai Mykkänen, Mayor

After receiving the Mayor’s proposal, the elected officials will discuss the content of the strategy. The City Council is expected to approve the new Espoo Story at its meeting on 20 October.

• Niko Ferm, Policy Planning Director, tel. +358 40 5521271, niko.ferm@espoo.fi
• Interview requests for the Mayor: Leevi Hietanen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 40 6343644, leevi.hietanen@espoo.fi