The brainstorming process will take place on the OmaStadi website(Link leads to external service) . Support for submitting proposals is available at libraries, youth centres, community houses and service centres. The City will also organise events(Link leads to external service) to brainstorm proposals together with local residents.
“It is great to see that the people of Helsinki are very interested in and enthusiastic about OmaStadi. It shows how important the neighbourhood matters and local environment really are to the residents. We want to develop participatory budgeting even further, along with the residents’ opportunities to participate in the planning and development of the city,” says Mayor Daniel Sazonov.
Come up with the best idea – change Helsinki!
“For this fourth round, we are looking for proposals that aim to fix up and develop existing services. Different events and interests also enliven the city, bringing people together for fun activities. We would like to see even more these types of suggestions,” says Kirsi Verkka, the development manager in charge of OmaStadi.
In the fourth round of OmaStadi starting in September, Helsinki residents will make proposals and vote on the use of €10 million.
“Participatory budgeting has also been a nice way of fostering conversations in neighbourhoods. It’s especially nice that the local operators in the residential areas have been inspired to make proposals together and organise workshops for Helsinki residents for submitting OmaStadi proposals, for example at Pasila Library,” says Gritten Naams, the borough liaison of the Central major district.
OmaStadi helps make Helsinki feel more like its residents
The City will evaluate all the submitted proposals and prepares the cost estimates. Similar proposals will be combined together so that they do not compete with each other in the vote. The voting will take place in spring 2026, after which the successful proposals will be developed into feasible proposals together with city residents. The implementation of the proposals will start in autumn 2026.
Helsinki's participatory budgeting initiative OmaStadi has made it possible for the city to implement dozens of projects that bring joy to its residents, inlcuding new outdoor equipment and experiences, fitness opportunities, maritime activities and urban nature and greenery
OmaStadi is the City of Helsinki’s way of offering participatory budgeting. During the three OmaStadi rounds, Helsinki residents have proposed and voted on how the City will spend a total of €22 million. The 164 projects completed so far have made Helsinki a better and more welcoming place for its residents.
Get to know the OmaStadi story.
Share your ideas through OmaStadi, Helsinki’s participatory budgeting
The brainstorming process will take place on the OmaStadi website(Link leads to external service) . Proposals can be refined together with others at OmaStadi events(Link leads to external service) .
Ideas for improving and recreating what already exists and strengthening the City's operations and event offering are especially welcome.
Proposals are welcomed for all sectors and all themes. The proposed ideas can be experimental or permanent additions to improve the quality of life in Helsinki.
Support for submitting proposals is available in libraries, youth centres, community houses and service centres. The City will organise a series of events to come up with proposals together with local residents. Proposals can be submitted by anyone aged 13 or over, but all city residents are welcome to contribute ideas for different proposals.
“OmaStadi is also a channel for children and young people to be heard, when their school days are linked to learning the skills of democracy. I hope that as many schools as possible will come up with proposals for the OmaStadi voting. It’s important that children and young people also have opportunities to make their voices heard and have a way of contributing to the improvement of their local environment,” says Reetta Vanhanen, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki heading the Education Division.
OmaStadi welcomes both small and large-scale proposals
“Helsinki's new strategy emphasises welcoming and community-oriented neighbourhoods. I believe that these can be achieved by listening to and involving the residents," says Johanna Stadius, Participation Manager.
OmaStadi has helped bring several new development projects to Helsinki, proposed and voted for by Helsinki residents themselves. The Eastern Archipelago Route, consisting of recreational islands and water transport connections, is one example of such projects.
In addition, OmaStadi has funded events such as Koffarin Kinofest, which brings free films and concerts to Sinebrychoff Park. Many other projects that have been proposed and voted on by Helsinki residents themselves have also been implemented through OmaStadi, improving the lives of residents and the urban environment.
“Helsinki wants to take equal account of the views and expertise of residents of different backgrounds and ages in the development of the city and its services,” says Participation Specialist Jarkko Laaksonen.
