Mikkeli aims to be the international headquarters of clean water expertise and comprehensive security on Lake Saimaa.
According to Mayor Janne Kinnunen, the most important role of the new strategy is to provide a shared direction for decision-makers, employees and residents alike.
“The strategy helps ensure that Mikkeli remains a great place to live, study, work and do business in the years to come,” Kinnunen summarises.
At the heart of the strategy is Mikkeli’s vision, which brings together the city’s key themes and objectives under one umbrella. The vision can be seen as a summary of both Mikkeli’s existing strengths and the areas in which the city intends to invest. It is not merely a slogan, but a description of the strengths on which Mikkeli’s future will be built.
“The vision brings together both current strengths and future opportunities. Expertise in clean water has long been one of Mikkeli’s recognised strengths. At the same time, internationalisation, security expertise and preparedness create new opportunities for residents, students and businesses alike. We want to build on the strengths for which Mikkeli is known and use them as a foundation for future growth and wellbeing,” Kinnunen says.
Five priorities for the years ahead
The strategy identifies five critical success factors that will help advance the city’s objectives. These priorities are:
- Wellbeing and smooth everyday life for residents
- Education, skills and employment
- Vitality, businesses and investment
- Strong finances and impact
- Personnel, the practical implementers of the strategy
“The critical success factors include safeguarding high-quality services, developing educational opportunities, attracting new investments and maintaining a stable financial footing. At the same time, we must strengthen internationalisation, which is particularly important in a region with an ageing population,” Kinnunen explains.
The strategy is founded on the city’s values, which guide both decision-making and day-to-day operations. In line with these values, Mikkeli is fair, bold, constructive and safe.
“We want to be a city where people feel safe in their daily lives and where both services and organisational culture are built on trust and cooperation,” Kinnunen says.
Strategy becomes reality through everyday work
The strategy is meant to be reflected in the practical work carried out across the city organisation.
According to Kinnunen, implementing the strategy is the responsibility of the entire municipal organisation. Its objectives will be incorporated into budget planning, internal development plans and personnel management.
“Every employee’s contribution matters in determining how successfully we build the future of Mikkeli,” Kinnunen says.