We thank all budget balancing survey respondents
We asked Espoo residents for proposals to balance the city budget during this council term. The survey was open between 10 February and 10 March, and 576 Espoo residents responded to it, with a total of 1,118 different proposals. The proposals included good, feasible cost-saving measures, proposals for changing operating methods, as well as proposals related to investments.
The largest themes represented among the responses included improving the city’s operational efficiency, enhancing basic public services, carefully reviewing expenditure, postponing investments, curbing population growth and improving integration.
Highlights from residents’ responses:
“Improving operational efficiency means reducing bureaucracy, streamlining processes and systematically utilising digital solutions (automation, data, AI). At the same time, decision-making and meeting practices should be streamlined, reducing costs.”
“Securing and streamlining basic public services so that low-impact or non-statutory services are eliminated, the service network is optimised, and digital channels and partnership models are utilised cost-effectively.”
"Integration must be accelerated through language and employment skills, and support systems should be designed to be encouraging so that integration and employment are carried out faster and the need for services is reduced."
The responses will be used in the preparation and planning of the budget balancing programme. The City Council Advisory Committee, which is comprised of political decision-makers, will discuss the content of the programme in April. In June, the City Council will decide on the budgetary framework and balancing measures for 2027–2029 and tax rates for 2027.
The annual adjustment target for 2027–2029 is EUR 70 million. During the preparation phase, we will also take into account any measures that can be taken in 2026.