Thematic partnerships

According to the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government, the Government will foster an urban policy that is based on a fair partnership between the central government and cities. The growth generated by a strong urban policy will benefit society as a whole while also providing resources for developing rural regions. Urban policy will be implemented through various partnerships that are led by the cities based on their own ideas and on mutual networking.

Alliance partnership between six largest cities and the central government

The strategic partnership with the six largest cities is based on the cities’ initiative and the long history of cooperation among the C6 cities. The six largest cities are Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu and Turku. The aim of the alliance model is to create growth for whole Finland, set common targets and implement commonly selected measures to reach the targets. The strategic alliance model is a methodology where the cities and central government set the targets together and look for solutions to common challenges over both short and long term.

Vitality partnership 

Vitality partnership is built with the cities of Jyväskylä, Kuopio and Lahti. Vitality partnership promotes commonly agreed targets that will support the conditions for growth more broadly.

Partnership with medium-sized growth cities

Thematic partnership is also built with medium-sized growth cities, which comprise Pori, Kouvola, Vaasa, Hämeenlinna, Seinäjoki, Rovaniemi, Mikkeli, Porvoo, Salo, Kotka, Kokkola, Hyvinkää and Kajaani.

Partnership between the central government and the cities of Joensuu, Lappeenranta and Imatra

The thematic partnership between the central government and the cities of Joensuu, Lappeenranta and Imatra is based on the same principles as the other partnerships: city-led implementation and commonly agreed procedures and targets.

Cooperation with regional cities

The cooperation with regional cities is implemented through the Regional Cities Programme. The programme is based on three key elements, which are independent development, agreements, contracts and partnerships, and network development. The Implementation Programme of the Regional Cities Programme will be updated in autumn 2024. 

Further information: 
Katja Palonen, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 047 071 [email protected]
Olli Voutilainen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 064 919, [email protected]