Power to the people - a key to develop attractive, functional services of the new era

Abstract

On the 22nd December 2016 we opened a brand new library in the Maunula House, together with Youth Services and Adult Education Services. What has been special in this project is that the community members, residents, citizens, have participated to the project in a very early stage. They’ve taken part writing and commenting the project plan, organizing brainstorming sessions and planning the future strategy of the house. Together with residents we’ve designed also an operating model for the house. The operating model shows f. ex how participatory budgeting is a part of the operating model. (PP) Through participatory budgeting, some of the decision-making power and funds intended for developing operations are given to the citizens.

Involvement and joint planning is not one of the additional burden of the service development process. At their best, the community members bring in, not only their voices and opinions but also their problem-solving skills as a part of the planning and service providing processes. In Helsinki City and City Library we’re convinced that this is the only way we develop attractive, functional services of the new era.