BRIEFLY IN ENGLISH
Mini-Liftis are an environmentally friendly alternative to private cars The all-electric Mini-Lifti shared-use cars appeared on the streets in autumn 2022. Since then, they have been in active use, offering Vaasa residents a lower-emission option for driving.
W What would you like to do with 15 000 euros? In participatory budgeting, local people have a direct say in their own living environment. We set aside €15 000 each year to implement ideas from Vaasa residents.
W
e set aside €15 000 each year to implement ideas from Vaasa residents. Par ticipator y budgeting is an approach already used by many municipalities. The aim is to give residents the right to participate in the development of their local community and in the use of public funds. — Participatory budgeting is a good way to make the voice of residents heard in a concrete way. It is also part of our participation programme, says coordinator Olivia Åkers.
Propose your idea by 28 February! You can submit your ideas by 28 February using the online form at vaasa.fi/en/participatory-budgeting. You can also submit a hard copy of the proposal form at the Citizen Services in Tammipiha (Teräksenkuja 1) or at the Vähäkyrö Joint Service Point within opening hours. Voting for the most successful ideas will start on 25 March and the winner will be announced in May. The implementation of the winning idea will be followed on the city’s social media channels. Learn more and submit your idea: vaasa.fi/en/participatory-budgeting
16
hen Vaasa resident Matti Tuomaala first heard about Mini-Liftis, his interest was immediately piqued. He doesn’t own a car, so the idea of shared cars for everyone seemed interesting. — It wasn’t long after the Mini-Liftis appeared that I was already sitting in one. I think the first trip was with the family; mushroom picking in Sundom. It was a good experience, the car worked great, and we also managed to find mushrooms, Tuomaala recollects. Nowadays, Tuomaala says, he rides a Mini-Lifti almost every week. In addition
to short everyday trips, the Mini-Lifti has taken him on weekend trips and to visit relatives, to name but a few purposes. — I would recommend everyone to try Mini-Liftis and I also hope that there will be more shared cars in the future in different parts of the city. This would help to collectively reduce transport emissions, with more people switching from private cars to shared cars, says Tuomaala. Do a good deed for the climate and jump on board the Mini-Lifti: vaasa.fi/en/mini-lifti
A happier and more just city for all The City of Vaasa’s equality and non-discrimination work aims to ensure that residents receive the same good and effective service regardless of gender, age, language, ethnic background, ability, or any other person-related factor.
I
n city services, this means, for example, good interactions, accessible and barrier-free services, non-discrimination, and attention to the needs of the individual. Equality and non-discrimination work is actively pursued in every sector of the city. — This is reflected in everything we do: in our facilities, environments, services, and decision-making. For example, improving neighbourhoods or public transport, Pride flagging, and various anti-racism campaigns are all aspects of this work, says coordinator Rebecca Åkers. Residents’ experiences are monitored through a resident survey, a happiness survey, and a national school
health survey. — According to the residents’ survey, most respondents, 80%, feel that the services provided by the City of Vaasa are fair and that they have not experienced discrimination. Although the majority are satisfied with the services, it is essential to address why some are dissatisfied or unable to use the services. We all have an important role to play in creating a happier city. Everyone can do this in their own daily lives; at work, at home, at school, or in their hobbies, says Åkers. Visit the City of Vaasa Equality and Non-Discrimination Plan: vaasa.fi/en/equality-andnon-discrimination
Compiled by: Jenni Tuliniemi • Translation: Maria Lehtimäki
Christoffer Björklund