The OmaStadi proposal idea phase ended in mid-October. In total, Helsinki residents submitted more than 1,600 proposals for the development of the city. Proposals were submitted for all seven major districts. In relation to the population number, residents submitted the most ideas in the northern, central and south-eastern major districts. All in all, proposals were submitted somewhat evenly across the city, and there was no major difference in residents’ activity between the seven major districts.
“Residents are especially interested in developing their own area. They find that OmaStadi is a good way to participate and make a difference. The number of major district specific proposals increased by 50 per cent from the previous round,” rejoices Development Manager Kirsi Verkka.
Outdoor sports equipment, workout stairs, sports fields and outdoor activity routes were popular topics in the theme of sports and outdoor recreation. Proposals related to the theme of parks and nature focused on cherishing biodiversity. Meadows, pollinator-friendly flower fields and trees and other plantings were proposed for different areas in Helsinki. Residents also submitted plenty of proposals related to the restoration of various sites and areas, as well as their lighting and increasing their pleasantness.
The OmaStadi proposals were targeted at all Divisions of the City’s operations. The overwhelming majority of proposals targeted the Urban Environment Division, with a total of more than 900 proposals. The Culture and Leisure Division received roughly 450 proposals, while the Education Division received roughly 100 ideas.
Proposals being worked on for the voting phase
The City is currently evaluating the proposals submitted in accordance with the OmaStadi evaluation criteria. Some proposals have to be rejected due to reasons such as them being too pricey or targeting the area of a private operator. The City is also combining similar proposals targeting the same place so that they will not compete with each other in the voting. The OmaStadi voting held next spring will thus have fewer proposals than were submitted. The evaluations of the ideas and their grounds will be published before the voting on the OmaStadi website. In the spring, residents will be able to vote on the proposals. The proposals with the most votes will be realised by the City.
“The most important participation phase in OmaStadi will be the voting held next spring. The voting process will enable every Helsinki resident to influence which proposals the City will realise. And, in order for as many residents as possible to have an opportunity to participate, we are inviting all organisations and communities to communicate about the voting in their respective networks,” comments Participation Manager Johanna Sinkkonen.
Give us feedback regarding OmaStadi!
The current third round of OmaStadi was developed based on feedback received regarding the previous rounds. By responding to our feedback survey, you can influence the continuous development of the participatory budgeting process.
OmaStadi -feedback(Link leads to external service) survey for citizens.
