Turku’s new City Strategy was approved by the City Council on 20 April 2026. The Strategy has been prepared extensively since autumn 2025 by collecting background material and involving a wide range of stakeholder groups.
Turku’s growth story, that is, the City Strategy, guides Turku towards the 2040s. Growth is a shared journey. That is why the City Strategy is called Turku’s growth story.
Turku is heading towards the 2040s at a time when the city is growing in many ways across most growth-related indicators. For example, Turku’s population is projected to become more multilingual and to increase by several tens of thousands of residents and by around 20,000 jobs by the time the 2040s begin.
– At the same time as the city grows, it is also being renewed. Growth creates new opportunities, but it also brings new kinds of challenges for residents, nature and the economy. Now is the time to make choices that strengthen everyday life, regional equality and the city’s vitality. Choices that build the future and a good everyday life for future generations as well, says Piia Elo, Mayor of Turku.
In addition to a situational overview, Turku’s growth story towards the 2040s includes the goals, a vision, values, and operating principles that guide the City Organisation all the way to the 2040s. There are four strategic priorities: managed growth, communal sustainability, good city life and leadership rooted in nature.
– Turku has always looked ahead and renewed itself with the times. The approaching 800th anniversary invites us to continue this work. Turku’s growth story is an invitation to build the city together. A city that stirs emotions, cares for people and the environment, and is a good place to live. A city that makes people smile, Elo sums up.
The City Strategy Was Built Through Broad Cooperation
Turku’s City Strategy was prepared through broad participation between August 2025 and January 2026. In addition to elected representatives and staff, the strategy process involved residents, stakeholders and partners, advisory and influence groups, as well as children and young people.
In addition, a wide range of operating environment and statistical data, as well as various studies and reports, were collected during the preparation. Surveys and workshops were organised for stakeholder representatives. To help shape future scenarios, the city participated in a project funded by Sitra.
– Turku is growing, becoming more international and more multilingual at record speed. Turku attracts people from Finland and from around the world. People do not end up in Turku by chance – they want to come here. In Turku’s growth story, it is important that every new and long-time resident feels that they belong in Turku and are part of Turku’s growth story, emphasises Timo Aro, Strategy Director at the City of Turku.
The Strategy’s Impact Will Be Monitored Annually
During the previous council term, Turku adopted the mayoral model. Under the governance model updated at that time, the city’s long-term goals are defined in the City Strategy, in which impact targets have been set for each strategic priority.
During the implementation phase of the strategy, indicators will be defined for both the short and medium term. Progress towards the goals will be monitored annually in connection with operational and financial reporting.
Read more about Turku's growth story (in Finnish)