City and Decision-Making

Local decision-making is based on democracy and transparency. Residents can influence decisions in many ways.

This is how decision-making works in Rovaniemi

In Finland, municipalities like Rovaniemi have a high degree of self-government. Local decision-making is based on democracy and transparency.

Roles and responsibilities: 

  •  The highest decision-making body in the city is the City Council, elected by local residents every four years. The Council decides on the city’s strategy, budget, and major policies.
  •  The City Board prepares matters for the Council and ensures that its decisions are implemented. It also manages the city’s daily administration.
  • Committees (for example on education, wellbeing or urban planning) prepare decisions in their areas of responsibility.
  •  City officials and civil servants carry out practical work, such as running schools, maintaining infrastructure, and taking care of sports facilities.
  •  Residents can influence decisions not only through elections, but also by giving feedback, joining consultations, or submitting local initiatives.

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The official meeting venue of the Rovaniemi City Council is located at the City Hall, which is under renovation until early 2027. City Council meetings are open to the public and can be followed remotely at rovaniemi.fi/valtuustolive.

Take part in developing the city

There are plenty of options to participate in and contribute to the community in Rovaniemi. You can influence the development of the city’s services and decision making. Here are some tips for you!

Follow the city’s channels to stay updated on what’s happening and what people are talking about in Rovaniemi. 

 The City of Rovaniemi shares information about both upcoming and decided matters on its website and social media channels, mostly in Finnish.
You will find Rovaniemi-related content in English at Instagram (@internationalrovaniemi) and Facebook (facebook.com/internationalrovaniemi). 


You can follow what decisions are being made in Rovaniemi. All news related to decision-making as well as meeting agendas and minutes can be found at rovaniemi.fi/paatoksenteko in Finnish.

Also follow local media such as Uusi Rovaniemi, Lapin Kansa, and YLE Lappi.  

You can share your experiences about the city’s services at rovaniemi.fi/palaute.
Share your thoughts on current issues by responding to the open surveys and participating in public discussions and events. You will find all the surveys and events at rovaniemi.fi/osallistu. 

Join different volunteer efforts and activities organized by civic associations. Look for suitable volunteering opportunities at tapahtumat.rovaniemi.fi/vapaaehtoistyo.

You can also organize your own volunteer events, campaigns, or gatherings! Submit your event at rovaniemi.fi/tapahtumat so others can find it too.

By joining various events, hobbies, and activities in Rovaniemi, you help build a more fun and community-oriented city! Check out current event tips at tapahtumat.rovaniemi.fi/en.
You can contact the local city council members to share your thoughts, concerns, and development ideas. You will find the names of the city council members here. 
You can organize a demonstration, collect signatures for a petition, or sign an appeal.

Also, vote in the municipal elections. You can vote if you have lived in Finland for at least two years.

In addition, you can stand as a candidate in the municipal elections if you have lived in Finland for at least two years. The next municipal elections take place in 2029.
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