The City Executive approved the 2027 budget framework – the economy will be balanced by 32 million euros

Vantaa’s economy is under particular pressure due to general economic uncertainty, the employment situation, and the slowdown in housing construction. Unemployment among Vantaa residents has increased significantly in recent years. Housing construction has nearly come to a halt, and population growth has slowed. As a result, Vantaa’s economy has weakened rapidly and more than previously forecast.

A comprehensive economic balancing programme is underway in Vantaa. In 2027, the economy will be balanced by 32 million euros, of which 10 million consists of one-off revenues from the sale of assets. Over the entire council term 2026–2029, the total adjustment need is approximately 80 million euros. In addition, the city will cut investments by 120 million euros during the council term.

First principles for vitality and business policy

The City Executive Board decided to propose that the City Council approve the city’s first principles for vitality and business policy. These bring together the key principles guiding the city’s vitality, with the aim of strengthening competitiveness, employment, and sustainable economic development during the strategy period 2026–2029.

HR principles = personnel policy

The HR principles serve as the city’s personnel policy in accordance with the administrative regulations. They guide the development of staff, leadership, and organisational culture to promote four identified success factors: we act humanely, we renew and solve, we stand out through uniqueness, and we operate systemically. The principles define what kind of workplace and work community Vantaa aims to build. The city’s personnel have been broadly involved in their preparation, and the content is based on input from employees and supervisors. The principles emphasise everyone’s participation and responsibility.

Airport and Ojanko zoning plans proceed to the City Council

The Executive Board decided to submit the zoning plans for Aviakuja, Aviabulevardi and Turbiinitie at the airport, as well as Pitkäsuontie in Ojanko, to the City Council for approval.

The Aviakuja zoning amendment extends the current street towards Turbiinitie and allocates space for a new bus turning area by converting airport and nearby recreational areas into street areas.

The Aviabulevardi and Turbiinitie zoning amendment widens the street area along Aviabulevardi and introduces new street areas for Turbiinitie and Tietotie. The amendment prepares for the Vantaa tram and its bridge by reserving sufficient space for required infrastructure and an improved street environment. Space is allocated for the tram and related functions—such as vehicle traffic, cycling, and walking, green areas, plantings, and stormwater solutions—by enlarging street areas and reducing other areas. The purpose of the Turbiinitie amendment is to separate the street area from the airport area, enabling a road connection from Tikkurilantie to Ilmakehä.

The underground zoning plan for Pitkäsuontie in Ojanko expands Vantaa Energy’s waste-to-energy plant and its plot. Vantaa Energy has applied for a zoning change to allow the construction of a carbon capture facility and a mixed waste sorting plant on the site. The aim is to capture approximately 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually from the plant’s flue gases and to separate plastic and metal from mixed waste for reuse. The project aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.