The council decides on the administrative regulations (PDF, in Finnish) that govern the city's operations, the Helsinki City Strategy that outlines the long-term goals of the city’s operations and finances, and the annual City Budget that sets goals and distributes money to different city functions.
The City Council decides what governing bodies the municipality has, who their members are, and how the powers and responsibilities are divided between the elected officials and municipal office holders. Read more: Who decides what? (Link leads to external service)
The council has 85 members that represent different political groups. Each councillor has a deputy councillor. The term of office of the council currently being elected is 2025–2029.
The Helsinki City Council is celebrating its 150-year anniversary this year. Follow all of the jubilee year’s news and events on the council’s anniversary website pages at Helsinki City Council 150 years.
Celebrating 150 years of the Helsinki City Council
The Helsinki City Council convened for the first time in January 1875. The jubilee year is being celebrated year-round in many ways. Residents of the city are invited to participate in the anniversary year events, learn more about the city’s history and witness the decision-making process.