Administrative Regulations
The City of Turku’s Administrative Regulations determine how the city’s administration and decision-making are organised. The Administrative Regulations define, among other things, the tasks, powers and meeting procedures of various municipal bodies, such as the City Council, City Board and the committees. The Administrative Regulations also outline the duties and powers of office holders. These include the authority to make decisions.
Organisation Chart
Central Administration
Central Administration is responsible for steering and coordinating the city’s operations. It combines the city organisation’s services and companies into a cohesive whole. The task of Central Administration is to ensure that Turku’s strategic objectives and decisions are implemented uniformly throughout the City Group.
Central Administration prepares matters for decision-making by the city’s governing bodies and oversees the implementation of these decisions. It also assists the Mayor and Chief of Staff in managing the city’s administration, finances, and operations.
Chief of Staff Tuomas Heikkinen serves as the Head of Central Administration. The Chief of Staff is the highest-ranking official in the City of Turku and leads the City Group under the Mayor’s authority.
Central Administration organisation
The service areas of Central Administration are Strategic Steering, Resource Steering and Collaborative Steering. In addition, the Chief of Staff actively oversees operations related to Legal Services, City Secretariat, Corporate Governance, Internal Audit and Security and Risk Management.
We are responsible for managing and developing the City Strategy, strategic information and strategic communications. We oversee the implementation of the objectives outlined in the City Strategy and the Mayor’s Programme.
We are responsible for the City of Turku’s
- Communication and Marketing Services
- International Cooperation and Protocol Affairs
- Strategic Information and Advocacy
Strategy Director Timo Aro oversees the Strategic Steering.
Resource Steering support the Central Administration and service entities by harmonising operating models and applications, and by providing up-to-date information for the entire city. Recource Steering consist of six areas of responsibility.
Chief Financial Officer Valtteri Mikkola oversees this service area.
Procurement Services
We develop, guide and monitor the city’s procurement processes in line with the procurement strategy. We organise competitive bidding for acquisitions made by the City Group and the sub-region. We also oversee activities related to procurement and ordering processes.
Procurement Director Susanna Sarvanto-Hohtari is in charge of the Procurement Services.
Human Resource Services
We provide the City of Turku’s centralised human resources services. We develop and manage the employer brand and negotiation activities. We also oversee centralised personnel development and occupational safety and health guidance, and provide employment relations and recruitment services.
Director of Human Resources Sinikka Valtonen is in charge of the Human Resource Services.
Financial Services
We manage and develop the City Group’s financial administration and processes, and are responsible for managing the city’s assets and debts. We support financial management and the organisation of services.
Chief Financial Officer Valtteri Mikkola is in charge of the Financial Services.
IT Services
Our task is to produce high-quality, safe and cost-effective IT solutions for the City of Turku Group. We manage digital development services, IT and information security services, IT support services, system maintenance and development, IT skills development, as well as ICT and enterprise architecture.
Chief Information Officer Rami Savila is in charge of the IT Services.
General Administration
Our task is to provide document management and decision support services for the City Group. We also offer secretarial and office services to support the city’s operations.
We also oversee activities related to procurement and ordering processes.
Head of Administration Päivi Ahvenainen is in charge of the General Administration.
We are responsible for coordinating the city’s activities and services across the administrative and organisational boundaries. This ensures that the city organisation’s operations are effective and extensive.
We also oversee the city’s service production and ensure the activities align with the objectives set by the Local Government Act and the city.
Furthermore, we plan and coordinate service and resource networks and customer relationship processes. We are also responsible for guiding the promotion of well-being and health and participation.
Integration Director Minna Sartes is in charge of the Collaborative Steering.
Under the direct steering of the Integration Director are
- Participation
- Promotion of Well-being and Health
- Web Services
Other responsibilities are
- Customer Management
- Customer Service
- Development Services
- Service Management and Operations Management
- Sevice Network Management.
Management Group
In addition to the Mayor, Deputy Mayors and Chief of Staff, the City’s Management Group includes the Central Administration Directors of Integration and Shared Services, Service Directors and the Directors of Corporate Governance and Liaison. City Secretaries and the Mayor's Secretary also participate in the Management Group meetings.
Senior City Secretary Ari-Pekka Korhonen serves as the secretary of the Management Group.
The Management Group’s tasks are to:
- guide the activities of the City Group
- outline matters that are important for the city
- develop the Central Administration’s operations and decision-making preparations.
Mayor Piia Elo, Chair
- Born in 1978
- Education: Master of Social Sciences
- Key work experience: Deputy Mayor for Education 2021–2025, Service Manager of Turku Vocational Institute 2010–2021, has gained experience as an organisational secretary and executive director for various associations.
Deputy Mayor of Urban Environment Sini Ruohonen
- Born in 1984
- Education: Master of Social Sciences, Bachelor of Business Administration
- Key Work Experience: Chair of the City Board 2020–2021; Executive Director of Think Tank Toivo 2017–; Project Researcher and Doctoral Researcher / Research Assistant, Centre for Parliamentary Studies / University of Turku 2012–2017
Deputy Mayor of Children and Young People Elina Rantanen
- Born in 1979
- Education: PhD, Master of Social Sciences
- Key work experience: Deputy Mayor for Well-being 2021–2025, Development Director, Norio Centre of Rare Diseases, Planning Officer at Rinnekoti-Säätiö.
Deputy Mayor of Social Services and Healthcare Mirka Muukkonen
- Born in 1975
- Education: Further Qualification in sales, Gardener (crop cultivation)
- Key work experience: Deputy Mayor for Well-being 2023–2025, Customer service in the retail and food sector, procurement services.
Deputy mayors participate in the management group work as invited.
Chief of Staff Tuomas Heikkinen
- Born in 1975
- Education: Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws with court training
- Key work experience: Director of Administration of the City of Turku 2013–2020, Senior City Secretary 2010–2013, City Secretary 2006–2010.
Senior City Secretary Ari-Pekka Korhonen
- Born in 1970
- Education: Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws with court training
- Key work experience: City of Turku 1999–, Lawyer, Secretary of the Real Estate and Construction Committee, Property Lawyer, City Secretary.
Director of Business and Economic Development Vesa Palander
- Born in 1970
- Education: Master of Engineering
- Key work experience: Nokia 1995–2005, Jabra 2005–2007, Coloplast 2007–2008, serial entrepreneur 2008–.
Director of Urban Planning Timo Hintsanen
- Born in 1959
- Education: Architect
- Key work experience: Director of Urban Planning, Turku, 2013–; Head of City Planning, Turku, 1999–2012; Private architectural firms and own firm, 1984–1999.
Director of Urban Construction Services Kimmo Suonpää
- Born in 1962
- Education: Master of Engineering
- Key work experience: Director of Urban Development of the City of Turku 2018–2025, Technical Manager of the City of Naantali 2011–2018, City Engineer of Naantali 2006–2010, City Engineer of Raisio 2002–2006.
Cultural Director Anu Laitila
- Born in 1978
- Education: MA, EMBA
- Key work experience: Director of Recreation and Welfare, City of Kerava 2018–2023, Director of the Finnish Institute in Estonia 2015–2018.
Director of Sports Services Markus Kalmari
- Born in 1969
- Education: Master of Sport Science
- Key work experience: Head of Aurajoki and Kerttuli Upper Secondary Schools 2003–2013, Director of the Finnish Olympic Committee’s Sports Academy 2013–2015.
Director of Children and Young People’s Services Anu Parantainen
- Born in 1968
- Education: MSc (Econ)
- Key work experience: City of Turku 1996–: career planner, special needs teacher, project manager, Director of Change.
Chief Governance Officer Jarkko Virtanen
- Born in 1964
- Education: Master of Social Sciences
- Key work experience: Deputy Mayor 2005–2020, Adviser to the Deputy Mayor 1999–2004.
HR Director Sinikka Valtonen
- Born in 1969
- Education: Master of Psychology
- Key work experience: Kaarina City 2005–2013, Teleste Oyj 1998–2005.
Integration Director Minna Sartes
- Born in 1963
- Education: MA
- Key work experience: Director of Recreation 2012–2021, Cultural Director 2005–2012.
Director of Strategy Timo Aro
- Born in 1967
- Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Key work experience: Research Director for the City of Turku 2023–2024, Leading Expert at the Regional Development Consulting firm MDI 2018–2023, Development Manager for the City of Pori 211–2017, Development Director at Net Effect Ltd. 2006–2010
Chief Financial Officer Valtteri Mikkola
- Born in 1981
- Education: MBA
- Key work experience: The City of Turku Finance Manager 2019, Controller 2011–2018.
Head of Communications Saara Malila
- Born in 1970
- Education: Master of Social Sciences
- Key work experience: Advertising agency Zeeland 2012–2013, Turku 2011 Foundation 2008–2012, Yleisradio 2001–2008.
Director of External Relations Karoliina Hidén
- Born: 1993
- Education: Bachelor of Social Sciences (VTK)
- Key Work Experience:mSpecialist in advocacy at City of Turku 2022–2024, Acting Service and Development Manager for the Parliamentary Group and Parliamentary Assistant 2020–2021, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister 2019, Parliamentary Assistant for the Minister of Transport and Communications 2017–2019
The Collaborative Leadership Groups
Three new broad-based leadership groups began operating in the City of Turku in autumn 2025. The collaborative leadership groups bring together elected officials, civil servants, experts, and representatives of staff organizations around the same table.
This new type of composition and operating model means cross-disciplinary and joint planning of activities and finances and implementation of services. The aim is to achieve more effective and resource-efficient results together and to ensure that decision-making is more participatory and effective than before.
The Collaborative Leadership Goups
- ensure progress towards the goals of the mayor's program
- monitor and evaluate the city's strategic programs
- form an overall picture of broad themes and anticipate future needs
- prepare matters in collaboration with different sectors.
Each group is chaired by a deputy mayor and a representative of the city's executive management is responsible for preparation. In addition, four elected officials, 5–6 experts from the executive organization, and a representative of the staff organizations have been appointed to the groups.
The Collaborative Leadership Group for business and economic development
- The group focuses on education, skills, employment, internationalization, and Turku's attractiveness.
- The group is chaired by Deputy Mayor Sini Ruohonen and coordinated by Director of Business and Economic Development Vesa Palander.
The Collaborative Leadership Group for environment
- The topics covered by the group include housing, land use, sustainable transport, climate, and nature.
- The group is chaired by Deputy Mayor Elina Ruohonen, and the person responsible for preparation is Director of Urban Planning Timo Hintsanen.
The Collaborative Leadership Group for Well-being
- The group focuses on issues related to the well-being of Turku residents, regional equality, and the elimination of segregation.
- The group is chaired by Deputy Mayor Mirka Muukkonen, and the person responsible for preparation is Integration Director Minna Sartes.
- The group's elected representatives decide on the granting of subsidies that promote the well-being of Turku residents as a collaborative well-being committee.
City of Turku Code of Conduct
We prioritise customer orientation in the City of Turku’s activities. Customer service is integral to all our activities. We take customer needs and well-being into account in all our decisions and services. We operate as a cross-organisational network to meet the customer’s needs as swiftly as possible. We develop our operations and services based on a deep understanding of customer needs.
We require that our contractual and cooperation partners and stakeholders comply with the following principles in their own activities and supply chains: human rights, the principles of equality and non-discrimination, and fundamental rights in the world of work. They must also adhere to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also require compliance with restrictions on global economic and commercial cooperation, as well as with current legislation. The city does not work with partners who have committed acts that violate these principles.
We act with honesty and fairness
As a city, we act with openness, honesty and fairness in our advocacy work and cooperative relationships. This means that we openly explain the background and goals of what we aim to achieve. We respect everyone’s opinion and treat all individuals equally.
Our procurements are responsible
Our procurements support ecological sustainability by focusing on climate, environmental, and life cycle impacts, as well as circular economy solutions and conservation of natural resources. We invest in the prevention of the grey economy. We ensure that our procurement contracts include provisions for consequences related to grey market practices.
We observe the principles of good governance and management. It is the duty of each employee, office holder, and elected official to be familiar with the decrees, administrative regulations and instructions related to the city’s operations and their own duties.
Our personnel commit to following the regulations and instructions provided. Elected officials and supervisors set an example by following the agreed instructions and rules, and step in to address any shortcomings when needed. Management conducts internal audits to prevent and identify any potential abuses. Staff report suspected misconduct or violations to their supervisor. Everyone is responsible for intervening if they witness activities that violate ethical principles.
We lead effectively and uphold high standards
The city’s management is expected to act in a responsible and exemplary manner. In management, we prioritise open communication, cooperation and decision-making for the benefit of city residents.
We ensure a safe and healthy, equal and diverse working environment for our personnel, free of any discrimination.
We do not tolerate workplace bullying, gender-based, racist or sexual harassment, or any other form of inappropriate behaviour in the city’s workplaces. The guidelines on Appropriate Treatment in the City of Turku define ways to intervene in inappropriate behaviour at the workplace.
Serious non-compliance with ethical principles during leisure time may result in sanctions.
We do not discriminate against anyone
We comply with the principle of equality in decision-making and provision of services. We do not discriminate against on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or other similar factors. The city has an equality and non-discrimination plan approved by the City Council. It ensures that clients and personnel are treated equally and without discrimination in all situations.
We do not accept racist or xenophobic acts. The council groups and their members are bound by the Commitment by the Turku Councils to Combat Racism, as included in the Mayor’s Programme. Its principles are also well-suited to the activities of the entire city.
We handle data carefully
We handle the data of city residents, customers and stakeholders responsibly, following relevant regulations and respecting privacy. We protect our systems efficiently and process the city’s own data securely.
We observe the principles of sustainable development
As a city, we are committed to the principles of sustainable development. In all our activities, we take into account environmental impacts, and promote ecological, social and economic sustainability.
We implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals extensively, and track, report and communicate their progress.
We practice careful financial management
We maintain transparency and accountability in our financial management. We monitor the use of the city’s funds closely and take into account long-term economic impacts in decision-making.
We manage the city’s finances responsibly, sustainably and productively. This way, we can ensure services for city residents and keep the city a competitive location for businesses in the future.
Corruption refers to the abuse of power and influence, as well as unlawful, reprehensible and unethical actions.
We promote transparency in all our activities and financial management to prevent corruption and bribery. We do not tolerate abuse, criminal activity, or the pursuit of personal interests in the city’s operations. If we encounter any abuse, we investigate and, if necessary, take legal action.
We comply with regulations related to gifts
We do not ask for, accept or receive gifts, hospitality, or other benefits that could influence our decision-making or operations in a service relationship. We always have the right and opportunity to refuse a gift or any other benefit. We act with honesty and fairness.
We are familiar with the city’s guidelines for accepting gifts, trips paid for by external parties, and other financial benefits. Supervisors ensure that everyone is familiar with these guidelines.
In hospitality and gift-giving, we observe the principle of reasonableness. All of our operations can withstand external examination.
Our side jobs do not conflict with our duties
We avoid activities or side jobs that could conflict with our duties to the city. In accordance with the city’s instructions, we report any part-time work we may have. This ensures that there is no conflict between our main occupation and side job.
We do not grant permission for a secondary occupation and may prohibit a side job, if it leads to disqualification, undermines trust in equal treatment, or constitutes a conflict of interest.
We act responsibly in cases of disqualification
We adhere to the disqualification provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act for officials, municipal employees, and other elected representatives. Provisions on the disqualification of councillors are laid down in the Local Government Act. A person is disqualified if they have a relationship with the matter or parties involved that jeopardises their impartiality. It is primarily the responsibility of the disqualified person to assess and report their disqualification.
When we act as office holders or elected officials, we submit a notification of a conflict of interests to the Audit Committee in accordance with section 84 of the Local Government Act. The committee supervises compliance with the notification obligation and submits the notifications to the council for information. A register of conflicts of interest is kept in the public information network.
We combat the grey economy
The grey economy refers to the activities of organisations or individuals that neglect their statutory duties in order to avoid paying taxes or other mandatory fees, or to secure unjustified financial returns.
We combat the grey economy effectively and expect the same commitment from our contractors. We work together with the Tax Administration and the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority to eradicate the grey economy.
Whistleblowing channel
The City of Turku uses a whistleblowing channel in line with the Whistleblower Act (1171/2022): The whistleblowing channel of the City of Turku.
Reports submitted via the whistleblowing channel are processed by an evaluation group in accordance with the City Board decision of 20 March 2023, Section 106.
Anyone can report issues anonymously through the whistleblowing channel.
Ethics Review Group
If needed, the city’s Ethics Review Group meets to address and interpret ethical issues. The Chief of Staff serves as the convener of the group. The Human Resources Director, Communications Director and Liaison Director participate in the review.