The incoming government must build Finland on strong central cities
The City Board of Hämeenlinna has approved the city’s objectives for the 2027–2031 government programme. The city proposes that the next government strengthen Finland’s growth, security, and security of supply by reinforcing the position of Kanta-Häme as part of southern Finland’s most important growth and commuting area, and by leveraging Hämeenlinna’s position on a key growth and transport corridor.
According to the Hämeenlinna City Board, stronger central cities are key to Finland’s growth, competitiveness, and the reform of public services. The city proposes a model to the next government in which central cities bring together the employment, expertise, and services of their catchment areas more effectively than at present.
Finland’s growth increasingly relies on well-functioning urban regions. The government must therefore strengthen the ability of central cities to drive the vitality, expertise, and employment of their catchment areas, and safeguard the investments that support their growth. Hämeenlinna particularly emphasises the importance of the main railway corridor as Finland’s most significant growth, commuting, and logistics zone.
The city’s objectives form a single whole: strong central cities need functioning transport connections, adequate energy infrastructure, internationally competitive innovation environments, and the ability to attract new investment. Hämeenlinna sees significant growth potential particularly in the development of defence and security technology, where the city’s location, infrastructure, and business networks serve the security and security of supply of all of Finland.
– A vibrant future Finland is built on strong urban regions. By strengthening the position of central cities, we can simultaneously promote growth, security, investment, and employment both in the regions and across the country, says Mayor Olli-Poika Parviainen.
Hämeenlinna’s six government programme objectives
- Strengthening the position of central cities: giving central cities a greater role in bringing together services, employment, education, and economic development.
- Developing the main railway line: improving capacity, speed, and reliability to safeguard growth, labour mobility, and security of supply.
- Ensuring adequate energy supply: developing the national grid and transmission capacity to enable investment.
- Strengthening defence and security technology: establishing Hämeenlinna as a nationally significant environment for testing, piloting, and deployment.
- Renewing innovation ecosystem agreements: building company- and sector-driven networks to support growth, research, and investment.
- Young people’s work ability and employment: a clear division of responsibilities between wellbeing services counties and employment areas to ensure smooth service pathways for young people.