City strategy 2026–2029
Dynamic and positive Porvoo
City strategy refers to the city’s vision for how the city will be developed and improved. The city strategy guides the city’s decision-making and the allocation of its financial resources. The current strategy is valid for the period 2026–2029.
The City Strategy sets out the direction of development
Porvoo is a unique city where history, atmosphere and vitality come together. We are a combination of a regional growth centre, a safe hometown of just the right size, and a charming tourist destination, situated right on the doorstep of the capital region. The idyllic Old Porvoo and the town’s bilingual culture are well known throughout Finland. The Kilpilahti industrial area makes Porvoo a major business hub, even on an international scale. The city’s primary direction of growth is towards the west, as well as the areas covered by the component master plan for the central urban areas, adjacent to the existing infrastructure. This growing and attractive city, with its excellent services, is a source of pride for its residents and the magnetic centre of the whole East Uusimaa region.
The City Strategy sets out Porvoo’s jointly agreed direction for development, and it guides the City’s decision-making and the use of its resources. The strategy is based on a comprehensive assessment of the city’s current situation and changes in its operating environment. It has been developed in collaboration with City employees, elected bodies, various stakeholders and residents through workshops, interviews and surveys.
The new strategy is based on the idea of a dynamic city that seizes future opportunities, and for which its strong sense of identity is an asset. The key focus areas identified are caring for our living environment, building sustainable growth and vitality, supporting the learning of children and young people and strengthening their trust in the future, and helping people to settle in, feel at home and connect with their communities. These also tie Porvoo closely to building the future of Finland as a whole.
Key elements of a dynamic operating culture include resilient personnel and effective management, the use of artificial intelligence and digital operating models, a positive and interactive organisational culture, and stable finances. Wellbeing and vitality are enhanced by purposefully promoting jointly agreed priority projects. The City’s extensive day-to-day work remains the cornerstone of the new strategy, as well.
The beginning of the strategy term is characterised by efforts to balance the City’s finances. During the strategy term, the finances will be balanced in such a way that, despite the reduction in corporation tax, the finances will remain in balance throughout the Council term. Balancing does not mean abandoning strategic objectives, but rather shifting the focus of our activities and ensuring that our somewhat dwindling resources are used more effectively and in a more prioritised manner than before. As resources become scarcer, particular attention must be paid to the rationalisation, efficiency and effectiveness of measures.
Implementing the strategy – building a positive future for the city and its residents – is a shared responsibility of all of Porvoo. In a changing operating environment, the City will ensure the safety of the residents and the city itself, and make the necessary preparations, in collaboration with the Wellbeing Services County and the authorities.
Children and young people who believe in the future and have strong foundational skills
Porvoo offers high-quality early childhood and comprehensive school education services across the city. Most children and young people in Porvoo are doing well. However, wellbeing is not evenly distributed: some struggle with school burnout, the pressures of everyday life, mental health problems or unhealthy lifestyles. The work done by comprehensive schools to develop foundational skills is evident in Porvoo. Basic maths skills have improved and reading skills have developed steadily. Learning outcomes must be improved, which requires long-term, goal-oriented and continuous development work in schools. Porvoo youth’s confidence in the future needs to be strengthened further, but their sense of self-efficacy is strong, particularly in primary school, which supports their motivation to learn and helps consolidate their foundational skills in the long term.
Confidence in the future
Together, we are building a thriving Porvoo and supporting guardians so that every child and young person has the opportunity to grow into a well-rounded, capable and considerate person who is confident about the future, in a safe and supportive environment.
Strong foundational skills
Everyone is given a solid foundation in skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic. We recognise learning difficulties and support learners with different learning styles. We support emotional, social and life management skills, as well as a physically active lifestyle. We are strengthening children’s and young people’s digital and media literacy.
Shapers of the future
We strengthen perseverance and concentration, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to work together. We teach young people to take action and make a positive difference. Environmental, cultural and entrepreneurship education, as well as active citizenship, are an integral part of our culture. We are developing new ways to support children and young people’s leisure activities.
Shared responsibility
We raise children and young people who are thriving and considerate of others. We promote a life free from intoxicants. The whole community shares responsibility for education and learning. We are building close cooperation between families, activities, the City, the Wellbeing Services County and the rest of the urban community.
A city to call home
Porvoo’s demographic trends are undergoing a transformation: the proportion of older people and persons speaking a first language other than Finnish or Swedish is growing rapidly. Without immigration, the population and the number of working-age people will diminish, and competition for skilled labour will increase. Immigrants’ entry into the labour market is somewhat slow, and regional disparities in wellbeing are also evident in Porvoo. Older people are generally doing well, but loneliness and a decline in functional capacity are growing challenges.
A Porvoo that feels like home for everyone
We want working-age families, students and skilled workers to move to Porvoo, particularly in sectors where there is a need for labour. We offer a safe and pleasant living environment that also encourages newcomers to stay in the city. Porvoo is developing as an open and multicultural hometown, where every new resident and returnee feels welcome, finds work, learns the local languages, makes friends, discovers hobbies and takes part in city life. We promote equality and actively work to prevent discrimination and racism, so that all residents have equal opportunities to participate, find employment and build a life in Porvoo.
A hometown with a growing international presence
The whole city is involved in integration. The City organisation’s various service areas, employers, entrepreneurs, associations and residents work together to create the conditions for successful integration and the city growing more international. We prevent the segregation of neighbourhoods and population groups through balanced planning of the urban structure and services. We offer opportunities for volunteering and for supporting immigrants. We are strengthening City employees’ multicultural expertise and language skills.
We are improving the impact of integration and internationalisation through the establishment of International House Porvoo. International House Porvoo (IHP) is a multidisciplinary service centre that brings together services for supporting the integration and settling down of immigrants and international professionals. International House Porvoo also supports the integration of international students, the development of their language skills and their employment in Porvoo. The aim is to promote Porvoo’s vitality, streamline the referral of people to services, and reinforce the principle that the whole city works together to support integration.
Smooth transition into work
We are developing employment services and cooperation with educational institutions, and we support immigrants in making a swift transition into employment. We offer employers assistance with recruiting international staff, support with language and culture, and opportunities to share best practices. We are developing approaches to anticipate immigration levels and integration needs. We are developing our cooperation with educational institutions so that students can find better opportunities for work placements and employment in local businesses and within the City’s organisations than they currently can.
Accessible and barrier-free everyday life
We are building a city where everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling, active and community-oriented life, whatever their circumstances. We are developing communication in plain language and multiple languages to increase opportunities for full inclusion. We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive services, such as safe opportunities for mobility and physical activity. We work closely and seamlessly with the Wellbeing Services County to ensure that everyday support and services are equally accessible to everyone. When planning services and the city’s development, we take into account the growing number of older people and their varying levels of functional capacity, and we support them in leading active daily lives. We promote the accessibility of services and leisure activities for all residents, taking into account their language skills, neighbourhood and financial circumstances.
Need for different types of homes
We offer a wide range of housing options for people in different stages of life who also wish to stay in Porvoo. We are creating a new housing policy framework that is in line with national guidelines. We aim to launch at least two housing locations specifically aimed at older people during the strategy term.
A clean, beautiful and inviting living environment
Porvoo’s particular strength lies in its unique character: its history, diverse natural and aquatic environments, rich built environment, and vibrant bilingual urban culture. Old Porvoo is one of Finland’s most beautiful and best-known historic town centres. However, climate change and the decline in biodiversity are also evident in Porvoo. We have reduced our environmental impact and improved our adaptability. We will continue our long-term work to protect the climate and nature, with the aim of improving the state of the natural environment compared to the present.
Ambitious climate policy
We are aiming for emissions reductions of at least 80 percent from 2007 levels by 2030, and we are adapting to the changing climate. We develop sustainable solutions for everyday life, as well as smooth and low-emission modes of transport. Climate action is our competitive advantage: we support our businesses in the green transition and attract new pioneers in climate solutions to strengthen Porvoo’s vitality. We are reducing our consumption of natural resources and the climate impact of construction. We promote renovation, soil management and the circular economy in construction. We extend the lifecycle of buildings and improve their adaptability.
Nature, forests and waterways as a resource
We are building a Porvoo where the climate, nature and people go hand in hand. As the city grows, we will enhance biodiversity and safeguard green areas and their ecological connections. In the future, Porvoo will become even better known for its natural environment. We are developing Porvoonkorpi as a large, cohesive nature and recreation area that supports the wellbeing of the city’s residents and offers a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities. At the same time, Porvoonkorpi is a significant hub of biodiversity and an important ecological link in the city’s green network, providing a habitat for numerous plant and animal species. We will protect at least 17 percent of City-owned forests by 2030 and develop the recreational use of the forests. Forests support our wellbeing, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and adaptation to climate change. Porvoo is a city of waterways – we are reducing the environmental stress on our bodies of water and improving their ecological status. Our focus is on the Porvoo River and the coastal areas of Porvoo.
A Porvoo that looks like Porvoo
We cherish our city’s history, natural environment and the uniqueness of its built environment, so that Porvoo retains its distinctive character well into the future.
Porvoo is a city with many facets. The built-up areas surrounding the town centre provide a smooth daily life for tens of thousands of Porvoo residents. We are developing the city’s various areas while taking their distinctive characteristics into account: the old idyllic town centre, the diverse Länsiranta district, the suburbs, rural settings, urban and village environments from different eras, the cultural environments of the archipelago, and the architecturally integral wholes and significant buildings all deserve special attention.
We create opportunities for wooden construction. We are ensuring that the component master plan for key urban areas, currently in progress, guides the development of the city centre and population centres in a sustainable manner and provides both new opportunities for construction and policy tools to preserve important natural and recreational areas.
Vibrant venues, culture and events
We offer residents and visitors an enriching experience of Porvoo’s culture. Community spaces in different parts of the city, a vibrant cultural scene and events encourage people to come together, support entrepreneurship and boost the experience economy and tourism. We facilitate the versatile shared use of City premises. We are developing the Art Factory’s operations to be financially sustainable, as part of a wider cultural network in Porvoo, where events, art and accessible cultural activities complement one another across the city. Once completed, the Kokonniemi Sports Centre will enhance the city’s sports and events opportunities. We bring art into the urban environment.
Impact on promoting vitality
Porvoo has performed exceptionally well in vitality rankings over recent years. A thriving business sector, industry and companies bring jobs, tax revenue, prosperity and new residents moving to the area in search of work. Porvoo is a major tourist destination, but there is still potential for growth in year-round tourism. The City wants to continue to grow sustainably at the forefront of green structural change. However, there are relatively few medium-sized, growth-oriented businesses in Porvoo, and unemployment is too high.
The City is committed to providing high-quality business development services. It supports the success of new and growing businesses and maintains close and ongoing dialogue with local entrepreneurs.
Sustainable growth
Porvoo will grow in a more sustainable way in the future. We ensure that construction is accessible and runs smoothly for residents and businesses, and we work to attract more jobs and businesses, as well as growing and increasingly international companies and skilled workers. The educational services on offer in our region are tailored to local labour market needs.
Business development is based on a long-term and consistent land use policy, an adequate and diverse supply of building plots and plans, efficient planning, permitting and infrastructure construction processes, and effective cooperation between all of these. We actively and consistently promote year-round sustainable tourism.
Railway connection supports growth
Porvoo is advancing the planning of the East Railway according to the existing plan. A railway connection to the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and the airport would improve the accessibility, attractiveness and growth potential of the Porvoo region, which would be important for business, tourism and residents’ mobility. Pending the completion of the railway connection, we are developing bus services to the Helsinki Metropolitan Area based on up-to-date information.
We promote circular economy and green energy projects
We recognise the potential of the Kilpilahti area and are actively promoting the development of hydrogen production and the infrastructure required for the transmission of electricity and hydrogen. The entire City Group is proactively working to attract new projects to the region, with a view to strengthening circular economy and ensuring that energy production and consumption are climate-resilient.
Porvoo also supports local businesses in capitalising on the business opportunities presented by the green transition. Through the Green Transition Fund, we support companies in developing climate-resilient business models and create the conditions for growth and new innovations. We operate in a systematic and goal-oriented manner, working in close collaboration with other stakeholders to strengthen the growth, renewal and competitiveness of our region’s energy and circular economy sectors. Our aim is for our region to become a nationally and internationally significant hub for the energy and circular economy sectors.
Proactive employment services
We are developing new employment services to support businesses and growth in employment. We are developing a new model for forecasting and managing the demand for skilled labour, including the mobility of international workforce. The City of Porvoo coordinates the forecasting together with educational institutions and businesses.
A partner in developing vitality
The City is a unifying force and an active partner in promoting entrepreneurship and employment. The City manages and coordinates business and growth services through the BusinessPorvoo model. Key tools include land use and transport planning, infrastructure construction and maintenance, and business guidance and marketing.
Dynamic operating culture
The City of Porvoo responds to the constantly changing operating environment by continuously evaluating and developing its own operations. Achieving strategic objectives requires sufficient capacity for change. We will stabilise the City’s finances and ensure they are on a sustainable footing. We are implementing key priority projects designed to enhance the wellbeing of our residents and the vitality of the region. The City employees are skilled, innovative and resilient, and its management and advocacy are effective. We are boldly reforming the City’s ways of operating: Porvoo is a positive and supportive city.
A positive, attentive and friendly city
An enabling city
We are boldly reforming the City’s ways of operating. Porvoo is a positive and supportive city. We value the ideas and active involvement of residents, communities and businesses. We are strengthening democracy and actively exploring new, more effective ways of engaging and involving people, so that residents feel they can have a say in the development of their living environment. We are developing structures for participation and especially strengthening participatory budgeting as part of the annual budget process, as well as young people’s opportunities to have a say, so that residents have real ways of influencing the city’s development.
We respond to the wishes of residents and businesses by acting flexibly, transparently, attentively and interactively. At the same time, we ensure that the City’s operations and decision-making are based on transparency and the principles of good governance and equality.
Smooth customer service and respectful interaction
Residents appreciate the beauty and comfort of Porvoo. We want this same positive experience to be reflected in the City’s services and interactions, as well. We ensure that every resident receives reliable, clear and equitable service, regardless of their background, language skills or life circumstances. We are improving customer service across the City organisation. We build mutual understanding and trust by justifying our proposals with reliable information – openly, clearly and in a way that is easy to understand. We are building a culture of dialogue that is characterised by listening and mutual respect across all discussion forums. We recognise that there are many things going well in Porvoo, and we actively highlight the city’s strengths and successes.
Renewal-capable personnel and capable leadership
Skilled and renewal-capable personnel
Our employees are resilient and skilled, and the number of staff is well-dimensioned. In skills development, we place emphasis on the effective use of ICT solutions and artificial intelligence, digital security, preparedness, engaging with residents from different cultural backgrounds, and enhancing the positive customer service experience.
A responsible employer
We look after our employees’ safety, wellbeing at work and professional development. Salaries and remuneration are fair. Our workplaces are supportive, diverse, open and discussion-oriented. Respect, courtesy and caring are integral to every workplace in the City.
Shared situational picture and coordination of cooperation
The City’s decision-making and management are based on up-to-date information and the jointly agreed City Strategy. We are improving cooperation between local government officials and elected representatives, and strengthening a shared understanding of the City’s situation and objectives throughout the organisation. Our aim is to promote innovative and human-oriented management.
The City’s key group companies play a vital role in promoting the City’s service production, infrastructure, growth and sustainable development. Through effective group governance and mutual interaction, we ensure that the entire City Group implements the City Strategy as effectively as possible.
The implementation of the strategy will be monitored systematically throughout the Council term. Progress towards the targets is assessed regularly, and a report on their implementation is submitted to the Council once a year. The targets will be reviewed during the strategy term in case there are significant changes in the operating environment, legislation or economic conditions.
Innovative management
We are reforming our working methods, the management of processes and cooperation, and our organisation, so that the strategy can be implemented effectively. Management supports effective day-to-day work and maintains close ties with employees and residents. We carry out long-term strategic workforce planning to ensure that the number and skills of our employees meet our needs. In addition, we monitor the organisation’s productivity and strive to improve the efficiency of our own work.
The engine of East Uusimaa
As the centre of East Uusimaa, we work closely with the authorities in the region’s other municipalities and the Wellbeing Services County. The main focus of the cooperation is on regional preparedness and resilience against disruptions. The City plays an active role in shaping legislation that affects the operating environment of Porvoo and East Uusimaa.
Stable and sustainable finances
Financial stabilisation programme
The rate of corporation tax will decrease significantly in 2026 and 2027, and the result for the financial year is forecast to fall into a substantial deficit in 2027–2028. Balancing the City’s finances requires adjustments to operational expenditure. The City currently spends around 400–500 euros more on services per capita than the average for C21 cities. Expenditure remains high, even though the City has implemented two financial rebalancing programmes in recent years. In spring 2026, a financial stabilisation programme will be prepared, setting out measures to adjust the finances during the current Council term and determining the level of investments for the coming years. When the finances are in balance and on a sustainable footing, debt levels and taxation will remain at a reasonable level. This makes it possible to maintain City services, develop the city and invest in the priority projects.
Balanced finances
The City’s finances will be in balance during the Council term, meaning that the cumulative result for the years 2025–2029 will be in surplus (excluding one-off items). We are reducing our dependence on fluctuations in corporation tax so that the City’s finances remain balanced regardless of the economic cycle.
By the end of the Council term, the operating margin per capita will be significantly closer to the average for C21 cities.
The aim is to ensure that local government taxes are not increased. There are no plans to increase property tax rates, although individual property tax rates may be reviewed as part of the financial stabilisation programme.
The loan portfolio will remain below the municipal average until the end of the Council term. The high rate of investment in the coming years means that investments will be more moderate in the early 2030s.
Service networks and vacant properties
Service networks are adapted to take account of changes in the city’s demographic structure, residents’ service needs, developments in the urban structure, the need for property repairs and the City’s financial situation. The premise for developing the service network for growth and learning is ensuring that every student has access to a diverse learning environment and a community that allows for strong social interaction and where the multi-professional structure of the staff supports the child’s development.
The assessment of service networks is an ongoing process. We carry out long-term assessments of the impact of service networks, obsolete properties and investments on the operating finances to support decision-making. We are actively engaged in negotiations regarding infill development projects in the city centre, so that we can meet the diverse demand for housing close to services. We are improving the cityscape of the city centre by seeking to renovate dilapidated buildings or replace them with new ones.
Determined advancement of priority projects
During this Council term, the City will implement and promote a number of significant priority projects aimed at developing the physical urban environment and its appeal, the wellbeing of residents, and the city’s vitality. During this Council term, we will implement the following priority projects:
Kokonniemi Sports Centre
We are building a sports centre in Kokonniemi that will support a healthy and active lifestyle for everyone, whether they exercise on their own or with others.
Development of Gammelbacka
The new Peipon koulu school will significantly improve the standard of services and the overall appearance of the Gammelbacka district. Planning projects aimed at infill development will increase the diverse range of housing available in the region.
Puistokatu
The local detailed plan for Puistokatu and investments in infrastructure will lay the groundwork for the infill development of residential and commercial premises along a high-quality urban boulevard. The street’s traffic arrangements are being designed to better cater for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. We are implementing the first phase of the park-and-ride solution together with the construction of the service station.
New hospital and wellbeing centre
We are making it possible to build a new hospital and wellbeing centre in Porvoo.
We are improving the transport system
We are continuing to develop the City’s public transport system and creating the conditions for the continued growth in passenger numbers on Porvoo buses. The completion of the East Railway would improve everyday life for the people of Porvoo by making travel smoother and providing a sustainable way to commute. We will also ensure that the new hospital can be connected to the public transport network.
Development of southern Länsiranta
We are laying the groundwork to ensure that the extensive and as of yet unstructured area between the Länsiranta blocks, Tolkkistentie and Kokonniemi can be transformed into an attractive part of the urban block city, which already boasts a good standard of services.
Meritulli construction
We are promoting the development of a pleasant residential area, as well as the establishment of a daycare and a sports ground in the area.
Development programme for villages, rural areas and the archipelago
Once the component master plan for key urban areas has been finalised, we will launch a development programme for villages, rural areas and the archipelago, which brings together the objectives and measures aimed at strengthening vibrant, pleasant, economical and sustainable living environments in areas outside the city centre. The City is also promoting a number of projects designed to support wellbeing and vitality, the implementation and timing of which depend on the City’s resources and financial situation, such as Porvoo Market Square, the new Kuninkaanportti bridge over the motorway, Edelfeltinranta, and improvements to parking facilities in the city centre.
Strategic indicators
Children and young people who believe in the future and have strong foundational skills
The qualification level of university-educated staff in early childhood education will rise
Current status:
In 2025, 62.3 percent of early childhood education teachers and 38.9 percent of bachelors of social sciences in early childhood education.
Target:
In 2029, at least 75 percent of early childhood education teachers and bachelors of social sciences in early childhood education.
Learning outcomes in teaching will improve
(mathematics and mother tongue).
Current status:
Currently, fewer than 80 percent of students (Finnish/Swedish as a first language) achieve at least an intermediate level of reading by 6th grade.
The average mark in mathematics on the school reports of students in grades 4–9 is now at least 7.8.
Target:
During the strategy term, at least 80 percent of students (Finnish/Swedish as a first language) will achieve at least an intermediate level of reading by 6th grade.
The average mark in mathematics on the school reports of students in grades 4–9 will be at least 8.0 during the strategy term.
In nationally organised tests, students’ levels of literacy and mathematics will be above the national average.
Students’ concerning absences will decrease
Current status:
No previously set target or monitoring.
Target:
Students’ concerning absences that lead to follow-up measures will decrease annually.
The health and wellbeing coefficient will remain above the average, among the best municipalities in Finland
Current status:
In 2025, Porvoo’s coefficient based on health and wellbeing performance stood at 76 points. The average for the reference municipalities* was 71 points; the average for Finland as a whole was 63 points. *Reference municipalities: Hämeenlinna, Järvenpää, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Vaasa.
Target:
The health and wellbeing coefficient will remain well above the average of the reference municipalities.
A city to call home
Unemployment rate among foreign-language speakers aged 18–64 will decrease
Current status:
In 2025 (the latest data available), the unemployment rate stood at around 25 percent.
Target:
In 2029, the unemployment rate will be no more than 15 percent (approaching the unemployment rate for the population as a whole).
Language proficiency levels achieved in integration courses will improve
Current status:
In 2024–2025, not everyone reached level B1.1.
Target:
In 2029, at least 95 percent of those completing their training will reach level B1.1.
The index for vitality, attraction and retention will improve in terms of attraction and retention results
Current status:
In 2025 (latest data), the central cities with the highest attraction and retention index scores were Espoo (88.6), Tampere (86.4), Helsinki (84.9), Turku (84.0) and Vantaa (81.2). Porvoo was not in the top five, as Porvoo’s attraction and retention index score was just over 66.8.
Target:
Porvoo will raise its index score for attraction and retention to at least 80 by 2029.
A clean, beautiful and inviting living environment
Greenhouse gas emissions will decrease
Current status:
In 2023, emissions stood at 179 ktCO2e (the latest verified data available).
Target:
In 2029, greenhouse gas emissions will be in the range of 76–117 ktCO2e (the data will be from 2027). The lower figure of 76 ktCO2e relates to the emissions level required to achieve carbon neutrality. The upper figure of 117 ktCO2e relates to the emissions reduction target of 80 percent.
The condition of bodies of water will improve; the volume of rainwater, meltwater and groundwater entering the sewer network (infiltration) will decrease
Current status:
In 2024 (latest data), the volume of infiltration in the sewer network was 48 percent.
Target:
In 2030, the volume of infiltration in the sewer network will be no more than 43 percent.
The proportion of City-owned protected forests will increase
Current status:
In 2025, the proportion of protected forests owned by the City was around 13 percent (including Virvik and Hakasalo).
Target:
In 2030, the proportion of City-owned protected forests will be at least 17 percent.
Conditions for wooden construction will expand
Current status:
No previously set target or monitoring.
Target:
At least two local detailed plans each year to create conditions for wooden construction in company form.
Impact on promoting vitality
The number of companies with a turnover above one million euros will increase
Current status:
In 2025, there were 250 companies in Porvoo (with a turnover of over one million euros).
Target:
In 2030, there will be at least 300 companies with a turnover of over one million euros.
The number of unemployed people for whom the local government share of labour market subsidies is paid (‘penalty payments’ in EUR) will decrease
Current status:
In 2025, the penalty payments of Porvoo totalled 6.85 million euros (realised figure).
Target:
In 2029, penalty payments will be less than 5.5 million euros.
At least five commercial plots will be allocated each year
Current status:
In recent years, an average of 3–5 commercial plots have been allocated.
Target:
At least five commercial plots will be allocated each year.
Tourism revenue will increase
Current status:
In 2024, the direct revenue from tourism in Porvoo amounted to 64 million euros. The total tourism revenue for 2025 has not yet been published.
Target:
Annual tourism revenue of at least 70 million euros, rising to at least 80 million euros in 2029.
A positive, attentive and friendly city
The City organisation’s reputation will improve in terms of interaction and administration (resident feedback)
Current status:
In the trust and reputation survey of 2025, the public’s perception of the administration was 2.84/5.00 and that of interaction 2.88/5.00
Target:
In the trust and reputation survey of 2028, the public’s perception of the administration will be at least 3.30/5.00 and that of interaction 3.30/5.00.
E-Porvoo, customer satisfaction with the service: three or four stars
Current status:
No previously set target or monitoring.
Target:
An average rating of at least three stars every year (on a scale of 1 to 4 stars).
E-Porvoo, speed of service: All feedback will be responded to within the target timeframe (service promise: seven days)
Current status:
In 2025, we responded to feedback within an average of 17 days. Around half of the feedback is channelled to the City’s infrastructure department.
Target:
In 2027, all feedback will be responded to within seven days, at the latest.
Renewal-capable personnel and capable leadership
Health-related employee absences will remain at around 4 percent
Current status:
In 2025, health-related absences stood at 4.18 percent.
Target:
Health-related employee absences will decrease during the strategy term and fall below 3.8 percent by 2029.
Employees remain keen to recommend their employer
Current status:
In 2025, 85 percent of those who responded to the personnel survey would recommend their current workplace to a friend.
Target:
In 2029, 85 percent of those who respond to the personnel survey would recommend their current workplace to a friend.
Stable and sustainable finances
The City finances will remain in balance
Current status:
Based on preliminary figures from the 2025 financial statements and the 2026 budget, the City’s cumulative result for the years 2025–2029 is expected to show a deficit of approximately €11 million (€23 million (2025 statements), €6 million (2026 budget), -€13 million (2027 budget), -€13 million (2028 budget), -€14 million (2029 budget)).
Target:
The City’s cumulative result for the years 2025–2029 will be in surplus.
The operating margin per capita will approach the average of reference municipalities
Current status:
In 2024, Porvoo’s operating margin was 2,951 euros per capita while the average for municipalities with over 40,000 inhabitants was 2,485 euros – 466 euros lower.
Target:
No more than 250 euros per capita above the average for C21 cities by the end of the Council term.
The loan portfolio will remain below the municipal average
Current status:
In 2025 (preliminary data), the average loan portfolio per capita among municipalities in mainland Finland was €3,547. The corresponding loan portfolio in Porvoo is €960.
Target:
The loan portfolio will remain below the municipal average for mainland Finland until the end of the Council term.
The number of buildings in Portfolio C will decrease
Current status:
Buildings that are obsolete for the City’s operations and available for sale have been categorised in what is known as ‘Portfolio C’.
Target:
The number of buildings in Portfolio C will be reduced by at least two each year during the Council term.
Determined advancement of priority projects
Kokonniemi Sports Centre
Current status:
The local detailed plan is legally final, and implementation planning is underway.
Target:
Construction will have been fully completed, and the Kokonniemi Sports Centre will be ready for use in 2030.
Gammelbacka centre
Current status:
The local detailed plan for Peipon koulu school is now legally in force, and work on the local detailed plan for Koulumestarintie is underway.
Target:
In 2028, the new Peipon koulu school building will be completed and the local detailed plan for Koulumestarintie will have been approved by the Council.
Puistokatu
Current status:
The local detailed plan for the service station and park-and-ride facilities has been approved, and the plot for the service station has been sold. The local detailed plan for Puistokatu I is complete; work on the local detailed plan for Puistokatu II is underway; the status of the other Puistokatu local detailed plans is ‘Not Pending’ or ‘Open’. Infrastructure (streets/pipes) is being planned.
Target:
In 2029, park-and-ride facilities will be ready for use and the infrastructure (streets 1–5) will be ready for construction. The winner of the Tolkkistentie plot allocation competition will have been chosen.
New hospital and wellbeing centre
Current status:
Work on the local detailed plan is underway.
Target:
In 2028, the detailed plan proposal will have been approved by the Council.
Public transport passenger numbers will rise every year
Current status:
In 2025, approximately 693,000 passengers (scheduled services and village shuttle services).
Target:
762,000 passengers in 2026 (10% increase from 2025); 831,000 passengers in 2027 (20% increase from 2025); 866,000 passengers in 2028 (25% increase from 2025); 901,000 passengers in 2029 (30% increase from 2025).
Southern Länsiranta
Current status:
Work on the local detailed plan is underway.
Target:
The proposal for the local detailed plan will be finalised in 2029.
Meritulli
Current status:
The local detailed plan was approved by the Council (at the start of 2026).
Target:
In 2030, a daycare centre will have been built in Meritulli and the first plot will have been allocated for residential development.
Extensive preparatory work and inclusion
Description of the operating environment
A comprehensive analysis of the City’s operating environment has been drawn up, which includes a description of the current situation and the changes to the operating environment anticipated during the Council term.
Future workshops
Over the course of the autumn, 65 workshops were held, attended by about 600 people in total. Respondents included, among others, City employees, the business forum, Posintra, representatives of Maritime Porvoo, the villages of Porvoo, Porvoo parents’ associations, the Old Porvoo traders’ association and the Old Porvoo residents’ association.
Feedback from residents
Two workshops were organised for the residents. Members of the public have provided feedback directly via an online form, and residents in the Porvoo area have been interviewed throughout the strategy’s preparation process. Feedback was received from around 500 residents in total.
Strategy seminars organised by the City Executive and City Council
In the autumn, participatory strategy seminars were held for the City Executive and City Council.
Feedback and comments received during the proposal phase
A feedback survey open to all was launched on the City website, where people could submit comments and suggestions for changes to the Mayor’s proposed City Strategy. In total, feedback was received from around 100 people. In addition, statements were received from committees and bodies for exerting influence.
Background surveys
As background to the City Strategy, a report on the City’s cost structure was drawn up, an analysis of the future prospects for immigration in Porvoo was commissioned, and a Reputation&Trust -survey was carried out.