Budget
A budget is a plan concerning city's actions and economy. The city council decides on it annually.
Each year the city council decides on a budget. It is approved in the end of the year before a new fiscal year begins.
City strategy is a key element in planning a budget. Through the strategy and annual budgets the council members are able to have an impact on how the city functions. The budget consists of plans for both the upcoming fiscal year and the three years following it. Budget defines how resources are collected and allocated.
In other words, a budget presents us:
- the things the city is planning to use money on
- how much the plans are estimated to cost and
- how the city is financing its plans.
Budget 2026
Mayor of Vantaa, Pekka Timonen, has published her 2026 budget proposal. The mayor's budget proposal will progress to decisionmaking. The city executive board is scheduled to give its budget proposal to the city council on November 4, and the city council is to decide on the budget on November 17.
The poor state of the Finnish economy can also be seen in Vantaa, and the city’s economy must be balanced in the coming years. At the same time, however, vitality and the services of the growing city will be taken care of.
Despite the economic situation, the growing city is building its future. In 2026, we will invest in the city's vitality and the improvement of literacy in schools, as well as innovations, digitalization and knowledge-based management. We will also promote growth in the number of jobs and improve safety.
Figures in brief
The city’s and funds’ combined operating income in the 2026 budget amounts to €380 million, while the operating costs amount to €1,217 million. Compared with the 2025 budget, the operating income will grow by 3.1% and operating costs by 6.4%. Operating costs will especially rise due to the city's growing need for services, municipal salary solutions and upcoming amendments to legislation, such as the changes to support for learning.
Tax revenues and state contributions will cover around 72% of the city's operating costs in 2026. The annual margin of the 2026 budget is €50 million and the deficit for period is €67 million.
The 2026 result for period is estimated to be highly negative, as was the case in 2025, as well. The weak economic situation is manifested in the municipal finances of Finland as a whole. In Vantaa, the drastic decline in construction has a negative impact on the city’s land-sales revenues. The weak employment situation is also the most significant individual factor impacting the city's finances – increased unemployment not only reduces tax revenues, but it also increases the city's costs.