EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - The Urban Programme for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area 2005-2007

The Urban Programme for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area 2005-2007

Introduction

The Urban Programme functions regionally as a developer, launcher and enabler of successful regional multi-actor cooperation. The programme helps carry out current strategies and programmes for the cities of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and the Uusimaa Regional Council.

Proposition

The Programme was launched on the initiative of a Cooperation Meeting involving the mayors of the cities of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, i.e. Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. Members of the Meeting also include the Cooperation Manager of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council YTV and the Executive Director of the Uusimaa Regional Council.

The means are any measure further improving the varied provision and opportunities of housing, education, work and enterprise in the region.

Description

The goal of the programme is to improve the international competitiveness of the Helsinki Region and its readiness to function as a world-class centre of business and innovation.

The goals of the Programme have been formulated in three Lines of Action:

Line of Action 1: To develop the various forms of regional cooperation needed for improved wellbeing and upgraded services.

Selma - the regional multi-cultural information service centre
The innovation environment project 2006-2007 to promote autonomy among the elderly
The Ilo project for innovative child protection
HUP - developing the Swedish-language services in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area
Project for basic education for international families in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area

Line of action 2: to support regional measures to improve the competitiveness of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

Cooperation in vocational training to secure availability of labour
Helsinki School of Creative Entrepreneurship
Common entrepreneur services for immigrants
Future development platforms and upgraded innovation finance
To develop services designed for foreign experts
Twin cities for science and arts: Helsinki – Tallinn

Line of Action 3: to support regional cooperation aiming to develop the urban structure and housing.

Citizen channel – regional cooperation at local level
Knowledge cluster in housing

The Programme includes 15 projects. Its basic financing is provided by the cities of the Metropolitan Area (50%), and by the State (50%), the latter in the form of regional development funds channelled through the Uusimaa Regional C ouncil. The estimated budget of the period 2005-2007 amounts to €1.9 million. The implementation of the Programme is steered by a Steering Group appointed by the mayors. The coordination of the Programme is in the hands of Helsinki City Urban Facts, and the management of funds in those of the Uusimaa Regional Council.

Contact info

City of Helsinki Urban Facts
Unioninkatu 28
00100 Helsinki
Finland
http://www.hel2.fi/tietokeskus
Mrs. Merja Koski (Project Manager), tel. +358 50 3273 108

Publication date

23/10/2006

Links

The Urban Programme for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area 2005-2007 website (in Finnish with English summary)The Urban Programme 'Competence and Coherence' 2002-2004 (in Finnish)

Document type

policy

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Housing, Social inclusion & integration, Economy knowledge & employment