Participatory budgeting of the city of Äänekoski brings good things to the villages
Participatory budgeting of the city of Äänekoski is implemented through village parliament activities. The participatory budgeting and village parliament activities of the city of Äänekoski have already brought desired investments to the villages for several years. Äänekoski city's cultural and sports activity has budgeted a total of 50 euros in village development money each year.
Everything starts with the residents
At the meeting of the village parliament, they praise how work has been done for the villages in recent years, for example in terms of sports facilities, and that the money has been used to achieve an infinite amount of things in the villages.
For example, in 2021, the construction of the village garden in Saarikka was started with the development money, wood was purchased for Konginkanka's Pohjoishieka beach, the Koivisto village hall was painted and the refrigeration equipment was renewed there. Riihilahti received a new electric piano and roof ladder, Honkola's Rellunmäki ski slope and Mämmen Metsäpirti a new warehouse. In addition, trees were placed at the two rest stops on Mörköpolu, and the path was partly re-signposted from the direction of both Sumiainte and Suolahti. The old school, which serves as Kalaniemi's village hall, underwent a kitchen renovation. In addition, the villages' nature trails were renovated, signs or information boards were renewed, and Mörköpolku was even digitized.
Participatory budgeting projects must be of such a size that they can be implemented during the same year.
- All this would not be possible without the valuable work of the villagers. The city of Äänekoski enables investments financially, active villagers are responsible for the implementation and the whole village benefits, development manager Tanja Sulin says.
Unique village parliament activity
The residents of the villages have themselves elected one or two representatives from each village to the village parliament. The village parliament meets about four times a year. The representatives of the villages are already thinking about their plans and budget. Any requests for offers must also be made in advance. The principle is that the city pays for the supplies and the villagers do the work themselves with taluks.
In the village parliament, the plans of the villages are discussed together and it is decided which investments will be implemented. Village parliament activities are based on the fact that decisions are made together and all villages get to influence. If there are more ideas than there is money, then we prioritize so that the village that has not yet received anything goes before the others.
It would be good to reflect the wishes of local young people in the plans of the villages. When it's done yourself, it has value.
For more information:
Financial manager
I met Hämäläinen
+0400 115 256
tapani.hamalainen@aanekoski.fi
Development manager
Tanja Sulin
+050 440 0813
tanja.sulin@aanekoski.fi