The appeal of Jyväskylä continues to get stronger

From the city's point of view, the year 2022 is ending with accompanied by good signals. Jyväskylä's population is growing at a record pace. At the beginning of the year, 1,274 new accommodations were completed in our city, which is 26.3 percent more than a year ago.

Jyväskylä's status as the seventh largest city in Finland has become stronger. It is particularly affirmative that the unemployment rate has been decreasing throughout the year, and we have received positive news about business life.

We are currently preparing for the reform of the well-being service county so that the health care, social services, and rescue services will be transferred from the city to be organized by the Well-being Service County. With the change, we have drawn up a new city strategy, the focus of which, along with education and exercise, includes culture and vitality.

The strategic emphases are reflected in the budget approved by the council, which strengthens the city's position as an educational and cultural city. The record-breaking investments are focused on culture and sports. They create conditions for growth and support employment in the area when construction otherwise slows down. The city's loan volume is increasing due to investments but remains below the average of large cities. Next year City of Jyväskylä 's income tax rate is among the lowest compared to other big cities in Finland.

However, the well-being service county reform will challenge us in the coming years. According to preliminary data, the economy must get balanced with up to 20 million EUR in 2024. In order to keep taxes moderate and our service level satisfying, we are already starting structural reforms to reduce the city's expenses during the years 2023–2025.

Overall, the city's situation looks well. That's why we make responsible and sensible reforms that will support positive development in the future.

Timo Koivisto
Jyväskylä Major