The City of Helsinki Wholesale Market, one of the city’s 36 administrative branches,  sits within the remit of the Mayor for City Planning and Real Estate. It is an independent unit with its own budget and reports directly to the City Council’s Commercial Services Committee.

Managing Director Timo Taulavuori is responsible for the running of the Wholesale Market and is supported by a staff of 22, divided into technical and business service units. Tommi Tapana runs the technical unit, with Tiina Suvanen heading the business services unit.

The Commercial Services Committee oversees and directs the work of the Market, setting yearly objectives and monitoring their implementation. It also has the powers to authorise building projects and large acquisitions. The Wholesale Market drafts proposals for consideration by the Committee. Committee minutes and agenda are available at http://www.hel2.fi/hkr/paatoksenteko/lautakunta/dok_kuluvavuosi/index.shtml 

(Finnish only).

Membership of the Committee is by election from the City Council, with members appointed for a period of four years. The current term of office runs from 2009 to 2012 and the Committee is chaired by Mirka Vainikka (SDP). The City Board or the City Council will debate any matters outwith the competence of the Committee and decisions made by the Committee may also be taken on the agenda of the City Board.